After 23 rounds of matches in the National Super League (NSL), Naivas FC remains at the helm of the log with 52 points closely followed by Mathare United and Nairobi United who both have 46 points. Here are the main talking points from weekend action. Resilient MCF secure statement winMully Children Family’s defensive consistency and striking dominance proved crucial in a statement 3-0 win over Mathare United on Sunday afternoon. Much had been rightly made of their forward players and performance in recent matches but Vincent Nyaberi’s side demonstrated how mature and resilient they have become since the closure of the mid-season transfer window.Whether it was former Talanta man Gideon Were’s calm presence in the back four in his second month after a long layoff, James Mutuko’s consistency, or the strength of the ever-developing midfield partnership between Brian Juma and Ondoro Wambua Ndoti it was a display that emphasized their quest for league survival.##NAJAVA_MECA_7965794##It wasn’t always pretty and they had to dig deep as Mathare dominated the ball and pushed them back in the second half, but confidence is a powerful tool and once they had their noses in front – perhaps inevitably through a Wambua’s first half goal – they did not wilt under the pressure and struck twice in the final ten minutes to end a six-match winless spell.The victory was all-important as it shoulders pressure off the gaffer and moved the Yatta-based club to 14th on the twenty-team log.Naivas’ title and promotion hope gain momentumNaivas FC put themselves in a pole position to clinch the National Super League (NSL) title and earn subsequent promotion to the second tier with a 4-1 win over Mombasa Stars on Saturday.The chain marketers-powered team capitalized on Nairobi United’s and Mathare’s slips on the weekend to open a six-point gap at the summit.Just weeks ago, following a reluctant start to the second leg, many of the NSL loyalists had started doubting the retailers’ ability to grace the top-flight next season but they are certainly believing now, however, coach Collins Omondi is still coy on their chances as he targets a game at a time.NSL: Mathare United’s promotion push dented by MCF as Gusii see off Black StarsBravo’s tenacity and goal key for GusiiRight back Bravo Odhiambo’s tenacity was pivotal in Gusii’s surprise 3-1 win over Kibera Black Stars at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho on Sunday. The 24-year-old former Muhoroni Youth man orchestrated the tempo and dominated the proceedings throughout. And then, with the score 1-1 after 20 minutes, he initiated an attack and was positioned strategically on the outskirts of the penalty area to unleash a powerful first-time shot that found the back of the net to give Joseph Ongoro’s charge a lead heading to the breatherHis impact was evident in the whole match and with five minutes to the conclusion of a tasty affair, racing from the right flank, he set up Kennedy Obare for a third to seal all maximum points and get the team out of the red zone.Mombasa Elite succumb to pressureThe margin between promotion-chasing Mara Sugar and Mombasa Elite proved considerable as the former lost it all in the second half to succumb to a 2-0 beating at Serani Sports Club.Despite holding Benedict Wanjala’s men to a barren draw in the first stanza, Elite found themselves overwhelmed by the visitors’ consistent pressure in the second half, ultimately allowing two quick goals in ten minutes. The result leaves Elites languishing in the relegation zone as they occupy the eighteenth position with 20 points after 23 matches.Amwayi targeting quick return to actionLuanda Villa’s Mumboha fortressTwenty-three matches in the season and Luanda Villa remains the only unbeaten side at home a run that dates back to April 2023 While still juggling in the third division.On Saturday, goals from Victor Baraka, Clinton Odhioro, and Moses Ngaa propelled Tom Tera’s troops to a 3-1 victory over Silibwet Leons to keep their perfect record at home and keeping them in the promotion race as per the team’s chairman Moses Abwenje.
