Posta Rangers head into Wednesday’s FKF Premier League/National Super League Promotion/Relegation Playoff second leg against Naivas FC with one clear goal: avoid defeat and retain their top-flight status.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe match will be played at the St. Sebastian Grounds in Murang’a, with Posta enjoying a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg in Thika. Felix Oluoch’s brace handed the Mailmen a crucial away win on Saturday, putting them in a strong position ahead of Wednesday’s decider.##NAJAVA_MECA_9002219##The playoff clash was set up after Posta finished 16th in the top tier, while Naivas once again ended their campaign in third place in the NSL, just as they did last season when they lost the playoff to Sofapaka.History, however, is not entirely against Naivas. Since the introduction of playoffs seven years ago, only two second-tier sides have earned promotion via this route. Vihiga United beat Kisumu All Stars in 2020 before suffering the same fate against Kenya Police the following year.Government reveals why Nyayo Stadium is not fully ready to host CHAN yetNaivas will be hoping to emulate Vihiga’s 2020 turnaround, when they bounced back from a 2-1 first-leg home loss to win the return leg by the same scoreline and triumph on penalties.Posta head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omolo, who is leading the team in his first-ever playoff, remains upbeat but cautious ahead of the decisive clash.“Going by the way we played the first leg, I believe we shall remain in the top tier next season. We just have to remain focused and work towards completing our goal,” Pamzo told Citizen Digital.Harambee Stars defender signs for Spanish side“The first leg’s result was a good one, it eased pressure on us, but the game is not yet over. We have to remain focused and avoid mistakes.”This marks the club’s second appearance in the playoffs, the first being against Nairobi Stima in 2019.Pamzo took charge in January following the departure of Bernard Kawinzi, inheriting a team that was struggling. He credits the mini turnaround to restoring belief within the squad.“The morale in the team was low, and I had to make them believe again. I had managed a similar situation at Shabana, and I had to do the same here. The difference is that Posta has talented players; the only problem has been finances,” he added.Best friend’s advice that led to Nairobi United scoring winner against Gor MahiaNaivas FC striker Robert Karisa conceded his team fell short in several key areas during the first leg.“We were short of four main things: defensive organisation, attacking bravery, mental strength, and concentration, which cost us the first leg,” admitted the former Sofapaka forward.“Heading into the return match, we are working on tightening our defence, being clinical in front of goal, and more importantly, improving our mental resilience and concentration.”Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Nairobi United’s masterplan than downed Gor Mahia
