Why Gucha’s NSL promotion fate hinges on Bucks replay

Gucha Stars will march into the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday determined to redeem their promotion hopes, facing Nakuru Bucks in a tense FKF Division One Zone B replay that could launch them into the coveted National Super League.

For Gucha Stars, the assignment is clear: only victory will guarantee automatic promotion. With 54 points from 27 matches, the Kisii-based outfit trail leaders Soy United by just two points.A win would lift them to 57 points and top of the table, sealing their NSL ticket.

But a draw or defeat would condemn them to third place, leaving Soy and Compel SC as the beneficiaries of promotion slots.

Nakuru Bucks, who sit sixth with 45 points, are not in contention for a promotion spot, but they could play spoilers to Gucha’s ambitions.

With nothing to lose, Bucks are expected to approach the match with pride and freedom, making them dangerous opponents.

Adding a twist to the encounter is eligibility: the SDT ruled that the replay falls under the 2024/25 season. This means only players registered during that campaign can feature.

Both sides must therefore rely solely on last season’s squads, with all new signings ineligible and confined to the stands.

The replay stems from a protracted legal battle. Earlier this year, FKF deducted three points from Gucha Stars, dropping them out of automatic promotion.

That decision paved the way for Soy United to take top spot and for Compel to enter a playoff. Gucha challenged the ruling, and the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) found that the FKF Leagues and Competition Committee that issued the sanction lacked jurisdiction.

In its ruling, the tribunal froze the NSL’s kickoff and ordered a replay of the disputed Bucks–Gucha fixture within seven days.

The verdict has left Soy United and Compel SC in limbo, their NSL openers against Darajani Gogo and Kisumu All Stars respectively put on hold until the replay decides the standings.

For Gucha Stars, this is more than just a fixture—it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.