Win for Gucha Stars as FKF upholds win, to feature in NSL

Gucha Stars FC’s dream of playing in the National Super League (NSL) has become a reality after weeks of uncertainty, following a decisive ruling by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee.

The long-running dispute stemmed from the rescheduled FKF Division One clash against Nakuru Bucks FC, played on Friday, 26th September 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The high-stakes fixture was abandoned in the 86th minute with Gucha Stars leading 2–0, after the assistant referee was accosted by fans in the venue. The incident forced officials to stop the match, leaving the final outcome hanging in the balance.

Gucha Stars had also lodged a protest before kick-off, challenging the eligibility of several Nakuru Bucks players. However, in its meeting held virtually on 30th September, the FKF Committee dismissed the protest, ruling that the claims lacked merit.

Crucially, the committee upheld the match result as it stood at the time of abandonment—Nakuru Bucks 0, Gucha Stars 2—securing Gucha Stars’ automatic promotion to the NSL.

The ruling effectively ends a drawn-out legal tussle that had been escalated to the Sports Disputes Tribunal, with FKF’s legal team making an undertaking to ensure the matter was resolved promptly.

For Gucha Stars, the decision marks a watershed moment as the club steps into Kenya’s second tier for the very first time.

Meanwhile, FKF confirmed that Bumbani Stars and Soy United will face off in the playoff to determine the final promotion slot. Both sides are now set for a do-or-die battle as they eye a place in the NSL.