The 2025/26 SportPesa League season has entered its decisive stretch, on Saturday, May 23 all eyes will be on the Ulinzi Sports Complex as Ulinzi Stars host Mathare United in a high-stakes relegation battle.
The clash, set to kick off at 3PM, carries massive significance for both sides as they continue fighting to secure their top-flight status for next season.
While Mathare are looking to mathematically confirm their survival, Ulinzi Stars are desperately battling to avoid dropping into the second tier.
The Soldiers currently sit 16th on the SportPesa League table with 32 points from 31 matches. Ulinzi have managed eight wins, eight draws and suffered 15 defeats this season, scoring 29 goals while conceding 36.
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With Sofapaka and Bidco United already relegated, Ulinzi presently occupy the final relegation slot and know anything less than victory could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Coming into the fixture, the Soldiers are nursing wounds from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to AFC Leopards. However, with three matches still left to play, the military side understands that their fate remains in their own hands if they can collect maximum points in the run-in.
Assistant coach Hassan Rio admitted the pressure surrounding the remaining fixtures but maintained belief in his squad.
“All our remaining matches are finals for us to survive,” said Rio.
Despite their struggles, Ulinzi’s recent form offers a slight glimmer of hope. They have won two of their last five league outings, drawn one and lost two, showing signs of resilience at a critical stage of the campaign.
For Mathare United, the situation is less tense but far from comfortable. The Slum Boys are currently 12th on the table with 38 points, six ahead of Ulinzi Stars despite having played one game more.
Mathare have recorded 10 wins, eight draws and 14 defeats this season, scoring 29 goals and conceding 33.
The club heads into the encounter under interim head coach Mohammed Muchula following the departure of John Kamau. Muchula has overseen renewed energy within the squad, and a win on Saturday would officially secure their place in next season’s SportPesa League.
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Mathare received a huge boost recently with the return of defender Cetric Asango, who made his comeback in their 1-0 victory against Mara Sugar after spending close to six months on the sidelines with injury.
The defender says the mood in camp is positive as the team targets another crucial result.
“Everyone is psyched and not relaxing being that we won our last league match, everyone is focused on getting maximum points, so in this match we want maximum points,” said Asango.
Coach Muchula also emphasized the importance of mentality and unity as Mathare approach the business end of the season.
“It is now about individual talks in training, talking to them a lot and giving them the belief, and showing them the bigger picture which is Mathare United and playing in the SportPesa League next season so it’s about the team,” he said.
The Slum Boys have picked up two wins from their last five league matches, losing twice and drawing once. Their recent meetings against Ulinzi Stars also favour them slightly.
In the last five encounters between the two sides, Mathare United have won twice while Ulinzi Stars have managed only one victory, with one match ending in a draw.
Today’s showdown is expected to be a tense and physical contest as both teams battle for survival points in front of their fans. With relegation pressure mounting and every point proving decisive, the fixture promises intensity, tactical discipline and plenty of drama.
Fans will also enjoy free entry to the match as Ulinzi Stars open the gates to supporters hoping for a crucial boost from the stands.
SportPesa League Saturday action packed with relegation battles
Meanwhile, all the Saturday fixtures will see nothing but intense encounters, as the three matches will feature at least some serious relegation scraps.
In another widely anticipated clash, Kariobangi Sharks will be hosting Kakamega Homeboyz at the Police Sacco Stadium from 3pm.
The Sharks are sitting just one spot above the drop zone, occupying 15th place on 33 points – one clear of 16th-placed Ulinzi Stars.
That means a win at home on Saturday should be their only option to keep their survival hopes alive, especially if other results go their way. And they will have to do it at the expense of the winless Homeboyz.
Meanwhile, Posta Rangers sitting four points above the Sharks in 14th place, will also be looking to keep themselves on the right side of the table when they take on KCB at the Kasarani Annex from 3pm EAT.