NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 11- As the National Super League season enters its homestretch, only Nzoia United remains unbeaten after 27 rounds of matches, but head coach Bernard Mwalala says his main target is to earn promotion to the top tier league and not finishing the season without losing a match.
The Bungoma-based club has raked in 20 wins and seven draws, sitting comfortably at the top of the second tier league on 67 points, a massive 11 ahead of second placed Nakumatt FC.
Mwalala is however not interested in keeping the unbeaten record, but what tops his wish-list is seeing the team make a return to the top tier league after close to three decades in the lower cadres of Kenyan football.
“It is not important (remaining unbeaten). For me the only thing I want to see at the end of the season is the team earning a slot in the league. That’s our number one target and something we have been working on for the last two years,” the former Kenyan international said.
Nzoia will be in Nairobi on Wednesday where they take on another promotion chasing side KCB who are placed sixth on the standings.
With Football Kenya Federation confirming four teams will be promoted to next year’s top flight league, the Bankers who were relegated last term will be giving their all to earn one of the four available slots.
“We know it will be tough against KCB because they are a good side and noting they won their last match away to Palos, it will not be easy for us. But I trust my players because so far they have shown they really want promotion and that is what drives us,” Mwalala offered.
They will be missing second best scorer Edgar Nzano who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a fracture on his toe.
“He has scored eight goals for us this season and was an integral part of the squad. Missing him is a huge blow but life cannot stop because he is out. We have to forge on,” the tactician offered.
In other matches to be played on Wednesday, Nakumatt FC will be at home to Nairobi Stima, fourth placed Zoo Kericho away to Wazito at the Camp Toyoyo ground, third placed Kariobangi Sharks travels to fifth placed side Vihiga United in Mumias while Bidco United host Ligi Ndogo at the Ruaraka Complex.