NSL Champs Talanta, Vihiga Bullets Earn Kenya Premier League Promotion

FC Talanta were crowned National Super League champions on Sunday at the GEMS school to confirm their participation in the Kenyan top flight next season.

Talanta had to settle for a 2-0 friendly victory against Rongai All Stars after their opponents on the day Gusii FC failed to show up, handing the champions a walkover.

Ken Kenyatta's side had a tremendous season, finishing top with 72 points, a whole eight ahead of their closest challengers Vihiga Bullets and Police FC.

“We are all winners today and it is thanks to the combined effort from every one of us. We set out to win the season and am glad it came to pass.

"Our focus now shifts to staging a good start to life in the top flight and am optimistic we have what it takes to challenge the top teams in the country," an elated Kenyatta stated after the coronation.

Vihiga Bullets secured the other automatic promotion spot after a comfortable 2-0 victory against Kibera Black Stars at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

The victory saw them finish in second, level on points with Police, but a better goal difference means that they will ultimately feature in the Kenya Premier League.

This will be the Bullets debut campaign in the top flight and they have the prowess of head coach Edward Manoah to thank for it.

The former AFC Leopards coach has now led three teams to the KPL including Kakamega Homeboyz, Vihiga United and the Bullets now.

"I'm happy we came from behind in the first leg to earn this opportunity. Many thanks to everyone that contributed.

"Now we just have to do our best in the final preparations to give it our all in the top tier," Manoah stated.

Police, by virtue of finishing third, will take on Vihiga United in the promotion play-off to determine which of the two sides will play in the KPL next season.