Posta Rangers took a significant step toward securing their FKF Premier League status after beating Naivas FC 2–0 in the first leg of the relegation/promotion playoff at Thika Stadium on Saturday evening.
The top-tier experience of Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s side showed, underlining the gulf in quality between the FKF Premier League and the National Super League (NSL).
The Mail men qualified for the playoffs after finishing 16th in the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season, just two spots above automatic relegation. Naivas, meanwhile, earned another shot at promotion after finishing third in the NSL for the second consecutive season.
It’s a familiar heartbreak for Naivas FC, who also reached the playoffs last season only to fall short, losing both legs to Sofapaka who retained their top-flight status.
Felix Mboya was the hero for Rangers, scoring a quick-fire brace in the second half to give his side a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg.
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when a misjudged through ball by the Naivas defence fell to Felix Mboya, who made no mistake with a clinical finish. Just four minutes later, a poor clearance from the back gifted Mboya another chance, and he slotted home with his weaker foot to double the lead.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a. The aggregate winner will secure a place in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League.
