Mombasa United will host Kariobangi Sharks today afternoon in the first leg of a crucial promotion-relegation playoff that will determine which side occupies the final place in Kenya’s top flight.
The match, scheduled for Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa, kicks off at 2:00pm EAT, with the two teams beginning a 180-minute battle for Premier League survival and promotion.
The return leg will be played in Nairobi on Tuesday, October 6, meaning neither side can afford to lose focus in the opening encounter.
Kariobangi Sharks head into the playoff determined to preserve their place in the Premier League after finishing 16th in the 2025/26 campaign.
Coach William Muluya has urged his players to put the prolonged off-field uncertainty behind them and concentrate on the football.
Sharks have also undergone changes since last season, with players including Humphrey Aroko, Kevin Otiala and goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa leaving, while new arrivals such as David Polepole have been brought into the squad.
Muluya expects patience and discipline to be important in Mombasa, with another 90 minutes still to come in Nairobi.
For Mombasa United, the playoff represents an opportunity to complete their push for Premier League football after finishing third in the National Super League.
Coach Abdulhamid Moallin knows his team will have the advantage of playing the opening leg at home and has called on his players to embrace the occasion without allowing the pressure of promotion to affect their performance.
The Coast side will also be looking to make home advantage count before travelling to Nairobi for the decisive second leg.
One of the major issues surrounding the playoff was the eligibility of new signings.However, as part of the agreement reached following FKF-led mediation, both clubs are allowed to field their newly registered players.
The playoff follows weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes that contributed to the postponement of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Now, the battle moves from the courtroom to the pitch.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will secure the 18th and final place in the FKF Premier League, while the losing side will compete in the National Super League next season.
With the first leg taking place in Mombasa before the decisive return fixture in Nairobi, both teams will be aware that the tie could be decided by fine margins.
