Mara Sugar became the first team to qualify for the FKF Premier League after thrashing Silibwet Leons 4-0 on Saturday at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County.
Following the win, Mara Sugar moved to 78 points and sealed an automatic slot in next season’s top-tier league.
Second-placed Mathare United have 74 points. With three games to go, third-placed Naivas with 67 points and fourth-placed Nairobi United with 63 points cannot catch up with Mara Sugar.
Mathare United need a win to return to the FKF Premier League.
During the entertaining game, Mathias Isogol gave the Cane Millers the lead before midfielder Reuben Mita doubled the lead before halftime. In the second half, substitute Mike Isabwa added Mara’s third goal with Joseph Okwenda wrapping up the scores.
Mara Sugar coach Benedict Wanjala said: “I’m impressed with how we played today. I’m satisfied with the performance although I feel the referee denied us a penalty when Isabwa was fouled. Playing against a team with nothing to lose is not easy.”
“My focus now is the game against Kibera Black Stars next weekend. We want to win all our remaining matches.”
Mara Sugar becomes the first team from the Maasai community counties of Narok and Kajiado to qualify for the top-tier league.
The team is based in Enoosaen village, Trans Mara West sub-county but play their matches at the neighbouring Migori county because there is no standard stadium in Trans Mara.
Naivas remained in the chase for a playoff slot after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mully Children’s Family (MCF) at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Dimba Patriots thrashed a hapless Gusii FC 5-0 consequently sending the Kisii-based into relegation while Darajani Gogo saw off Migori Youth 1-0.
At Moi Stadium in Kisumu, hosts Kisumu All Stars battled to a 1-1 draw against Vihiga United.
On Friday, Mathare United enhanced their chances of automatic qualification after a 3-2 win over Nairobi United at MPesa Foundation Academy grounds.
