- Alex Ratolo scored the winner as Soy United beat Bumbani Stars to seal NSL promotion.
- Soy’s automatic qualification was earlier revoked following a Sports Disputes Tribunal ruling.
- They join Gucha Stars and Kabati Youth as the three newly promoted sides to the 2025/26 FKF National Super League.
Soy United are back to the Football Kenya Federation National Super League (NSL) after edging out Bumbani Stars 1-0 in a tense promotion playoff match staged on Wednesday afternoon at Dandora Stadium.
The victory marked the end of a dramatic promotion journey for Soy United, whose automatic qualification was earlier revoked following a Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruling that reinstated Gucha Stars to the top of the Division One standings.
The tribunal ordered a replay between Gucha and Nakuru Bucks in a match that Gucha went on to win, forcing Soy to settle for the playoffs against Bumbani Stars.
From the first whistle, Soy United took control of the game, pushing their opponents deep into their own half. They had a penalty appeal waved away just five minutes in, but their intent was clear.
Watstak Mutasami and Captain Kevin Odira were instrumental in midfield, dictating play and disrupting Bumbani’s rhythm while forwards Peter Okello and new signing Ambrose Sifuna, alongside Clinton Dekah kept the Bumbani defense on constant alert.
The first half, however, ended goalless despite several promising attacks by Soy United. Soy’s biggest chance came in the 38th minute when Dekah dribbled past the goalkeeper and squared the ball to Okello, whose close-range effort was heroically blocked on the line by Bumbani custodian Cheusi Hassan.
Ratolo seals NSL promotion as Soy United beat Bumbani Stars
In the second half, coach Jeffers Odongo who was leading his charges for the first time in a competitive match made tactical adjustments, introducing Joseph Wafula for captain Odira, a move that injected new energy into the midfield.
The change paid off just five minutes later when Alex Ratolo finished calmly from a tight angle after brilliant build-up play involving Okello and Elvis Shamala, giving Soy the crucial lead in the 50th minute.
Bumbani Stars tried to fight back and came close late in the game through Dzuya Feisal, whose last-minute effort missed the target by inches. Soy held firm, defending resolutely until the final whistle.
A visibly emotional captain Odira dedicated the win to his teammates and supporters.
“I am so happy today. We gave our all, and I thank God, our management, and our fans for their support,” he said.
“We were already preparing for the NSL after our earlier promotion was revoked, so when the playoff came, we were ready and confident that we would make it.”
With the result, Soy United join Gucha Stars and Kabati Youth as the three newly promoted sides to the 2025/26 FKF National Super League.
Meanwhile, Bumbani Stars will have to regroup and plan another push for promotion next season in Division One.
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