Fortune Sacco and APS Bomet lead the way in the National Super League (NSL) promotion race in both zones heading into the second phase of the campaign with a point the difference between the two top sides.Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), 3K FC, and the Green Commandos who missed promotion last season by a whisker are also poised to strike in the return leg despite a dip in form, while GFE 105 FC, Compel SC, Ruiru Hotstars and Kabati Youth are also in the mix.##NAJAVA_MECA_7826482##At the mid-table, the once ambitious trio of Zoo FC, Equity FC, and Young Bulls have failed to impress and continue with their bouts to secure another season in the third tier.But it has been a disastrous start for some of the league veterans. Sunderland Naivasha, Bondo United, Muhoroni Young, Olympic Pirates, Kibra United, and Malindi United are mired in relegation battles having failed to impress in the first 15 matches.Here are five talking points from the opening half of the season.APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco back in the hunt Last season marked the end of an era of the duos’ life in the second-tier after long court battles with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and almost sank the hopes of the club loyalists as an unprecedented period of cold followed.There have been some teething problems between the teams and FKF but after deliberations and a year in the cold, the two agreed to kickstart life in the third tier.But the Black Berets (APS Bomet) and the bankers (Fortune Sacco) are back to the position they have often wished for and are cruising to the NSL with both leading their zones after 15 matches. Both teams have accumulated 31 points and are placed a point ahead of second-placed teams in 3K FC and GFE 105.In a recent interview with Mozzart Sport, Fortune Sacco coach Francis Kimani highlighted that experience has been key to their performances this term.FKF Div. One: Kimani happy with Fortune Sacco transfer business, targets promotionNewcomers taking the league by storm After the 2022/2023 campaign, Kabati Youth, GFE 105, and Compel SC were among the teams to be promoted to the third tier, and with the complexity of the tournament, many expected them to struggle just as it has been the case in recent seasons.Fifteen matches into the campaign and the newbies are still the team to beat. In Zone A, Kabati have successfully challenged the veterans and are poised to fight for a place in the NSL as they sit five points behind leaders Fortune. In Zone B, both Compel and GFE are going neck to neck with leaders APS Bomet proving tough for experienced sides like Green Commandos and Bungoma Superstars to keep pace with them.Fortress Ilala StadiumCompel’s stunning rise under George Mutimba has been built on a phenomenal home record.Only ninth-placed Vegpro FC have escaped with a point from 8 games at Panpaper Ilala Stadium this season, which has included notable scalps over Muhoroni Youth, Bungoma Superstars, and St. Joseph’s Youth.Many doubts Compel’s ability to last the course in the promotion race, but they are at the very least well in the running to qualify for the second tier for the first time.Miserable Olympic Pirates and Bondo United After a positive ending to the 2022-2023 season, Olympic Pirates and Bondo United were hoping to kick on and challenge for a place in the second division for the first time in over three seasons.Instead, Pirates lost 10 times in league matches picking three draws and one win along the way. Furthermore, the club has already found itself in turmoil with the football governing body in the country FKF, that have docked them three points for failing to honor the away match against Young Bulls and staring at another sanction after they failed to produce ambulances for Spitfire match.A lengthy injury list has played its part in Bondo’s struggles this season, an accident early in the season derailed the team’s preparation and saw the Siaya-based club face a mass exodus of players that has never been witnessed before at the community-powered club.Kibra United the biggest flopAfter avoiding the chop narrowly last term, Kibra flooded the transfer market and in no time, they had brought lethal arsenals to their side among them raids at the noisy neighbors Darajani Gogo.The Kibra club brought in close to fourteen players hoping to make them competitive this term but 15 games into the season, they have spiraled down the table and find themselves in the same familiar territory they were in last season.Kibra United turn to ex-Kenyan International after severing ties with Masika
