In December 2016, Kariobangi Sharks made history.
After finishing second in the National Super League (NSL) behind Nzoia United, the academy side from Kariobangi was promoted to the Kenyan Premier League for the first time, joining the top-flight for the 2017 season.
What followed were 10 years of stability that few newly promoted sides have ever managed in Kenyan football.
From 2017 to 2025, Sharks never once featured in a relegation or promotion play-off. They established themselves as a top-flight model, winning three major domestic trophies since - the FKF SportPesa Shield in 2018, the Super Cup and the SportPesa Cup in 2019 that earned them a high-profile friendly match against English Premier League side Everton later that year.
They also represented Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup and produced Harambee Stars regulars like Duke Abuya, Eric Kapaito and Sven Yidah.
Under head coach William Muluya, the longest-serving tactician in the club’s history, they thrived by exploiting talent from their academy.
Today at 2pm at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa, Sharks will play a promotion play-off for the very first time in their Premier League existence -- against a bullish Mombasa United side that is eager to feature in top flight.
Muluya, wanting to keep all cards close to his chest, declined to give an interview.
Mombasa United’s Somali-American head coach Abdulhamid Moallin declared: “We are ready. After several weeks of training, we are determined to make it count.”
“Although I admit that it is not something we wished for, we had only prepared for the Premier League. But now that the playoff is here, we have prepared well and I am optimistic my boys will deliver,” said the former Yanga coach.
“We respect Sharks. They are a good side. Very organised. They play good football from the back and they have quality young players. We have analysed their style of play, how they build up, how they press. We know what to expect,” added Moallin.
“What I want is for my players to give their all. At Mbaraki, in front of our fans, we must fight for every ball. This is our moment,” the tactician added.
The reason Sharks are in Mbaraki today is the same reason the entire 2026/27 KPL season has stalled for over a month.
The long delayed league kick-off is scheduled to take place next weekend after this Mombasa-Sharks match-up is determined
United had earned promotion as the third placed finisher in the National Super League but Sharks, who finished third last in the Premier League, disputed the criteria used and sued the federation.
Mombasa, in turn, countersued to be included in the new season fixtures.
A truce was brokered by the federation for the two sides to meet on the field of play and decide the final spot in the 2026/2027 league.
