NSL PREVIEW: Soy United out to fortify promotion charge against wobbling Gucha Stars

National Super League (NSL) action resumes in earnest on Wednesday, 28 January, with a rescheduled fixture that carries contrasting ambitions at both ends of the table as in-form Soy United host debutants Gucha Stars at the Eldoret Showground.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The Soy-based outfit heads into the midweek encounter riding the crest of an impressive wave that has seen them surge up the 20-team standings.

Jeffers Odongo’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches, registering four consecutive victories to climb from mid-table obscurity and into the promotion conversation.

They currently sit sixth on 28 points, a remarkable turnaround from an early-season slump that had briefly dragged them into relegation discussions.

Backed by Mozzart Bet, the newly promoted side now find themselves just eight points adrift of leaders Migori Youth and only four shy of the automatic promotion spot occupied by Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA).

With momentum firmly on their side, Soy United will be keen to make full use of their game in hand as they seek to tighten their grip on the promotion chase.

However, despite the encouraging results, Odongo has sounded a note of caution over his side’s attacking output, admitting that their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal remains an area of concern.

“My defence has been doing very well, which is why three of our defenders have been named Man of the Match in our last three games, Sebastien Monio, Cliff Otieno and Elvis Shamala,” Odongo said during a pre-match briefing with the club’s media team.

“But we still need to improve upfront. We create chances, but we are not converting them consistently. If we fix that, we will win matches more comfortably.

This game in hand is important because a win would place us in a very strong position before we wrap up the first leg at home against Migori.”

The former Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB assistant coach will be buoyed by the availability of experienced Harambee Stars defender Robinson Kamura, formerly of AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz and Mathare United, alongside the returning Mohammed Affaley Wangai, both of whom are in contention for selection.

Standing in Soy’s path, however, is a Gucha Stars side desperate to arrest a worrying slide.

The Kisii-based newcomers are looking to bounce back from a shock 1–0 defeat to fellow debutants Kabati Youth last weekend, a result that extended their winless run to five matches.

Under the guidance of former Shabana and Migori Youth head coach Sammy Okoth, Gucha have slipped deeper into the relegation mix and now sit 17th on 19 points, uncomfortably close to the drop zone.

Although they remain ten points clear of bottom-placed Vihiga United, the pressure is mounting in what is their maiden campaign in the second tier.

A major concern for Okoth will be his side’s poor away form, having managed just one win in eight outings on the road this season, an alarming statistic as they prepare for a daunting trip to Eldoret.

With maximum points at stake and sharply contrasting objectives, Soy United chasing promotion glory and Gucha Stars fighting to avoid an immediate return to the lower tier, the stage is set for a compelling Wednesday afternoon contest.