Former FC Talanta midfielder Enock Machaka has lifted the lid on the driving force behind Nairobi United’s remarkable 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup triumph.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe impressive campaign saw the newly promoted FKF Premier League side defy all expectations to be crowned champions.Few gave Nairobi United a chance at the start of the competition, but the 2024/25 National Super League (NSL) champions produced upset after upset, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 win over Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the final on Sunday, 29 June at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.Harambee Stars wing-back joins English League Two clubMachaka scored the match-winning goal in that high-stakes final.Reflecting on the recently concluded season, Machaka credited their giant-slaying heroics to their head coach, Nicholas Muyoti. The former Nairobi City Stars’ tactician instilled tactical discipline and belief in the team, something that was evident in their fearless performances against seasoned Premier League opponents.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004627##“If there is a secret to slaying giants, it’s our coach, Nicholas Muyoti. He has been the difference,” Machaka offered.Naibois’ path to the title was a classic underdog story.They began by stunning Tusker FC in the Round of 32, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. In the Round of 16, they repeated the feat against KCB FC, again needing a shootout to progress.Kenyan chef makes history by preparing meal for Sir Lewis HamiltonKenyan chef makes history by preparing meal for Sir Lewis HamiltonTheir momentum only grew stronger as they dispatched Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 in the quarterfinals before edging Mara Sugar FC in another penalty shootout in the semis.The fairytale run reached its crescendo in the final, where they outplayed Gor Mahia to lift the trophy, against all odds.“When we won the Mozzart Bet Cup, it was for us, the players, the team. But making it to the FKF Premier League, that’s what the management had set their sights on,” Machaka offered.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004620##The talented playmaker’s journey to glory has not been straightforward. He began the 2024/25 season at FC Talanta but made a bold switch to Nairobi United midway through the campaign, despite several top-flight offers.While many considered his move to the then NSL side a step down, he chose to trust his instincts.“It is crazy how football works, but it just shows that trusting your gut and putting in the work pays off.Clyde Senaji reveals preferred destination after cutting ties with Malawian clubIt was not an easy journey, dropping from the Premier League back to the NSL. A lot of people discouraged me from making that move because, at the time, my form was still strong.There were Premier League offers on the table, and many people advised me to stay in the top flight. But in the end, I followed my gut. I chose to return to Nairobi United, give it my best, and hopefully help the team earn promotion,” he disclosed.That decision proved crucial. As FC Talanta suffered relegation from the Premier League, while Nairobi United, with Machaka in midfield, were promoted and made history as the first second-tier club since Sofapaka in 2007 to lift the Mozzart Bet Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004603##With the Mozzart Bet Cup in hand and a ticket to both the FKF Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup secured, Nairobi United’s fairytale may just be beginning.
