It’s not every week you see a team hit peak form at just the right moment, but that’s what’s happening with Naivas in the National Super League’s 2024/2025 season. March 29 turned into a showcase at Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi, as they ripped through SS Assad with a convincing 4-0 win. This wasn’t just another routine three points for the supermarket-backed side—it catapulted them into the much-coveted promotion spot, now sitting third on the league table.
Naivas didn’t let up from the first whistle, pressing high and capitalizing on nearly every opportunity. SS Assad, who came into this game already struggling near the foot of the table, simply couldn’t cope with the fierce pressure and swift passes. Even before halftime, onlookers could sense the game hadn't slipped but tumbled away from Assad. Every attack looked dangerous. The second half was even more one-sided as Naivas found another gear, peppering the visitors’ goal and forcing mistakes all across the pitch. For Naivas fans, these kinds of performances are a breath of fresh air after seasons of near misses and what-ifs.
This is no fluke, either. Just before this, Naivas ran riot against Fortune Sacco, burying them 7-1 in an attacking masterclass. Even their previous 2-2 draw against 3K FC showed resilience—they came back from behind to steal a point, maintaining momentum when it mattered. All eyes are now on whether they can keep up this run and challenge for one of those elusive promotion tickets to the Premier League.
If things look rosy for Naivas, it's the complete opposite for SS Assad. They’re still buried in 19th out of 20, well within the relegation zone and gasping for a run of form that just won’t come. The walls are closing in on Assad, who haven’t looked convincing at either end of the field and are leaking goals at an alarming rate. It's going to take a serious turnaround—maybe even a miracle—to climb out of this trouble. Points are harder to come by the deeper you sink, with confidence draining game by game.
Elsewhere in the NSL, not every fixture produced the fireworks seen at Ruaraka. Kibera Black Stars and Luanda Villa played to a draw, sharing the spoils in a match that, while not as headline-grabbing, still shapes the middle of the table. Details are scarce, but both clubs will feel they could have gotten more from the contest. Every point is precious now with the fixtures ticking down and the table tightening by the week. The difference between a mid-table finish and getting dragged into a relegation scrap can be a single result.
There’s a sense of urgency spreading across the National Super League as teams fight at both ends. Naivas have thrown down the gauntlet, showing that a late charge is possible. With their recent results—especially that 7-1 demolition of Fortune Sacco—they’re sending a message: they won’t settle for anything less than a promotion fight. Their next games will either cement their place among the country’s football elite or test if this hot streak has staying power.
