Migori Youth FC has sealed a playoff spot as they aim for Kenya Premier League (KPL) glory after a walkover game at Migori Green Stadium.
The team was supported to play Mull Children’s Home FC (MCF), but they failed to honour the game, and after a 30-minute wait, the referring officials awarded the home team all three points with a 2-0 score line, signaling wild celebrations and cheers from the Migori FC faithful fans.
Migori Governor, Mr. Ochilo Ayacko, said that the county team was now on the threshold of joining the Kenya Premier League if they beat Wazito FC in the playoffs.
The community-based team that was formed in 2002 needed to win the game against MCF to have any hopes of advancing to the playoff round of the KPL promotion.
Only two points separated the third position in the National Super League (NSL) table standings, with Migori Youth garnering 62 points while their close challenger, Transmara FC, finished with 60 points.
Ochilo noted that his administration had outlined initiatives to build an athletics pitch as well as a modern stadium to improve and promote talents in sports. “We acknowledge the power of sports to entertain, uplift economic standards, and unite our people for the common good,” noted Ochilo.
He added that his administration will continue to step in and support the team and any other sports that create employment for the youth and steer our socio-economic growth within our county.
This will be the first time in the club’s history to head to the playoffs with an unbeaten record at home after finishing in position ten in the 2021–2022 NSL campaigns.
The team also came third among the teams that conceded fewer goals (19 in total), just behind Shabana and Murang’a Seals, who sealed their Kenya Premier League promotion after occupying the top two sports.
Migori Youth FC Head Coach Kevin Oluoch was overjoyed after sealing the playoff place pointing out that the team had high hopes of winning the game because of their recent form in chasing KPL promotion.
“I really wished that MCF had honoured this game so that we finish the 2022-2023 NSL league in a high mood. We were in high spirits of winning this game because we were riding on our form, which had resulted in two consecutive wins in our last games,” said Oluoch.
By Geoffrey Makokha
