The National Super League (NSL) is preparing to return in November after more than three months of uncertainty, with 20 clubs expected to battle for promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).But as the second tier prepares for another campaign, familiar questions remain. There is no league sponsor, no main broadcast partner, no prize money for the eventual champions and, once again, uncertainty over club licensing and the competition's calendar.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe latest interruption, following a court order obtained by Darajani Gogo, has left clubs waiting to discover when their preseason work will finally translate into competitive football.Several clubs are also caught up in legal disputes over promotion and participation, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated build-up.For the teams, however, there is a season to prepare for, players to integrate, and promotion ambitions to pursue.Some are former top-flight sides looking to rebuild, others are established NSL campaigners chasing a breakthrough, while newcomers are eager to make their mark.Billions Kenya's likely to splash in hosting Bayern vs Ajax friendly in NairobiThe NSL remains one of the country's most geographically diverse competitions, bringing together clubs from different regions in a home-and-away league format.Each team will face the other 19 twice, with consistency expected to be crucial in the race for promotion.Mozzart Sport takes a closer look at the 20 teams expected to feature in the 2026/27 campaign, their coaches, home grounds, sponsors, and prospects.##NAJAVA_MECA_10066843##MICHAEL OLUNGA FOOTBALL ACADEMY (MOFA)MOFA are preparing for their third NSL campaign after coming close to the promotion conversation last season, only to finish fifth with 64 points.Backed by Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, the Homa Bay-based outfit will be hoping to turn that promising performance into a serious push for the top flight.Coach: Gilbert SelebwaCounty: Homa BaySponsor: Michael OlungaHome ground: Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay##NAJAVA_MECA_10066857##NAIROBI CITY STARSThe former Premier League side are preparing for their second NSL season following relegation from the top flight. Their return to the second tier has brought significant changes, with Vapour Ministries taking over the club's backing.Caleb Aringa is in charge as the club seeks to rebuild and restore its standing in Kenyan football. However, the transition has not been without challenges, leaving City Stars with plenty to prove as they attempt to turn a difficult period into a fresh start.Coach: Caleb AringaCounty: NairobiSponsor: Vapour MinistriesHome ground: Vapour Grounds, NgongSOY UNITEDSoy United finished 10th on their return to the NSL last season and will be aiming to improve on that position. The Likuyani-based club has undergone significant changes in recent months as it seeks to modernise its operations and prepare for the demands of the second tier.However, their participation in the coming campaign remains a concern. Mozzart Sport understands that discussions have taken place over a possible withdrawal because of financial constraints, leaving questions about the club's immediate future.Coaches: George Lio Awoko and Erick Ali OchiengCounty: KakamegaSponsor: None listedHome ground: ASK Eldoret Showgrounds##NAJAVA_MECA_10066860##KIMININI COMBINEDKiminini Combined earned a promotion from Division One after topping their respective zone, but their place in the NSL remains subject to an ongoing court dispute.The Trans Nzoia side are among four promoted clubs whose participation has become uncertain amid the legal wrangles surrounding the league. FKF has included them in the fixtures, but the final position remains dependent on the outcome of the dispute.Coach: Yohana WanyamaCounty: Trans NzoiaSponsor: None listedHome ground: Ndura Sports ComplexBB FCBB are among the new faces in the NSL, having secured their place following a merger with former Premier League side Bidco United.The club first attracted widespread attention during the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup, where they eliminated Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.They subsequently completed an unbeaten campaign to win the Nairobi Regional League before taking up the opportunity to merge with Bidco United and enter the second tier.Coach: Vincent NgesaCounty: NairobiSponsor: BB BreadHome ground: Dandora StadiumSPITFIRE FCSpitfire are another club whose NSL participation remains under legal scrutiny. The Nairobi-based side earned promotion from Division One, but their place in the second tier is among those affected by the ongoing disputes.FKF has included the club in its fixtures, although the final position remains uncertain pending the court process.Coach: Daniel ShikoliCounty: NairobiSponsor: Kenya Defence ForcesHome ground: Ulinzi Sports Complex##NAJAVA_MECA_10067343##LUANDA VILLALuanda Villa survived a difficult campaign last season, finishing 13th with 43 points, just four above the relegation zone. They now return with hopes of a more comfortable season, although financial concerns continue to hang over the club.Coach Leonard Saleh has already revealed that the team has recruited 15 players as it seeks to combine experience with youthful energy and mount a stronger challenge for promotion.However, the club's financial position remains a concern, with the patron having threatened to withdraw the team from the league without greater support. For Luanda Villa, the immediate battle may be to ensure stability off the pitch before pursuing their ambitions on it.Coach: Leonard SalehCounty: VihigaSponsor: None listedHome ground: Mumboha StadiumEQUITY BANK FCEquity Bank were one of the biggest surprises of last season, narrowly missing out on promotion after finishing fourth with 71 points.In their first NSL campaign, the newcomers proved they could compete with the division's established sides. Their promotion ambitions were eventually ended by a defeat to eventual champions Migori Youth with several matches still remaining.The club has since strengthened its squad, and the additions made during preseason have raised expectations ahead of the new campaign. Under John Kamara, Equity will be looking to build on last season's impressive performance and turn their promise into promotion.They enter the season among the sides to watch, although the real test will come when the matches finally begin.Coach: John KamaraCounty: KajiadoSponsor: Equity BankHome ground: Mashuuru Sports ComplexKARIOBANGI SHARKSKariobangi Sharks are back in the second tier after losing their promotion playoff against Mombasa United. Having spent time in the top flight, the Nairobi club will be eager to make an immediate return.William Muluya's side now face the challenge of rebuilding their momentum and navigating a competitive division in which promotion is rarely straightforward.With their Premier League experience, Sharks will be expected to challenge, but their task is clear: recover from the playoff disappointment and turn their return to the NSL into a short stay.Coach: William MuluyaCounty: NairobiSponsor: None listedHome ground: Mpesa Foundation Academy, ThikaFORTUNE SACCO FCFortune Sacco are among the division's established campaigners and will be looking to follow the example of clubs that have successfully made the step up to the Premier League.The Kirinyaga-based side have spent considerable time in the NSL and will be hoping that experience finally translates into a promotion push.Coach: Vincent NyaberiCounty: KirinyagaSponsor: Fortune Sacco LimitedHome ground: Wang'uru StadiumKIBERA BLACK STARSKibera Black Stars are preparing for their 10th NSL season after first earning promotion to the division in 2017.The Nairobi side have repeatedly sought to establish themselves as promotion contenders but have yet to make the decisive leap into the top flight. This time, however, there is renewed optimism that they can finally change that narrative.The return of experienced forward Jesse Were is among the developments expected to boost their ambitions. Under head coach Iddi Badi, the club will be hoping to turn years of second-tier experience into a serious promotion challenge.Coach: Iddi BadiCounty: NairobiSponsor: RubisHome ground: Ligi Ndogo GroundsNAIVAS FCNaivas FC have endured a frustrating period after twice falling short in the promotion playoffs. Following those disappointments, the club finished 12th last season as their momentum faded.The campaign ended with a major overhaul, including the departure of much of the squad and the head coach. Collins Korea Omondi has since taken charge as the supermarket-backed outfit attempts to rebuild.The challenge will be to restore consistency after a difficult season and demonstrate that the club can do more than come close to promotion before falling away.Coach: Collins Korea OmondiCounty: NairobiSponsor: Naivas SupermarketHome ground: Vapour Grounds, NgongGUCHA STARSGucha Stars are entering their second NSL season after a difficult introduction to the division last term.The Kisii-based club faced the demands of the second tier in their debut campaign and will be hoping that the experience proves valuable as they seek a more stable run this time around.Coach: Sammy OmolloCounty: KisiiSponsor: None listedHome ground: Tendere GroundsSOFAPAKAFormer Kenyan champions Sofapaka are preparing for life in the NSL after their relegation from the top flight, marking a significant change for a club that has previously competed for the country's biggest honours.The club has shifted its base to Mumias and appointed Samuel Twago to lead the technical bench as it begins the task of rebuilding.Sofapaka's experience and history will make them one of the division's most closely watched sides. However, past success will count for little unless the team can adapt to the realities of the second tier and produce results on the pitch.Their immediate objective will be to stabilise the club and build a squad capable of mounting a return to the Premier League.Coach: Samuel TwagoCounty: KakamegaSponsor: None listedHome ground: Mumias Sports ComplexFC TALANTAFC Talanta discovered how demanding life in the NSL can be after returning to the division from the Premier League. The club finished eighth last season, a respectable position but one that leaves room for improvement.Coach: Jackson GatheruCounty: NairobiSponsor: Communications Authority of KenyaHome ground: Dandora StadiumKIBERA SOCCERKibera Soccer are among the four Division One clubs whose promotion and participation in the NSL remain affected by the ongoing court dispute.The Nairobi side earned their place through their performances in the lower division, but the legal uncertainty has complicated their preparations for the new campaign.Coach: Iddi ShikandaCounty: NairobiSponsor: CFKHome ground: GEMS CambridgeNZOIA SUGAR FCNzoia Sugar are continuing their rebuilding process following relegation from the Premier League two seasons ago.Their performances since dropping into the NSL have been mixed, but there are signs of greater stability as they prepare for another campaign.Under Rexley Lumiti Malenya, the Bungoma-based side will be aiming for a consistent season and a place in the promotion conversation.Their experience at the highest level could prove valuable, although they will need to show that they can sustain a challenge across the campaign.Coach: Rexley Lumiti MalenyaCounty: BungomaSponsor: RaiHome ground: Sudi Stadium##NAJAVA_MECA_10066836##MFALME FCMfalme FC are among the clubs awaiting clarity over their participation following the legal disputes surrounding promotion to the NSL.The Uasin Gishu-based outfit are one of four Division One sides whose places in the second tier remain in contention. Although FKF has included the club in the fixtures, the uncertainty has complicated preparations.Coach: Julius AbikCounty: Uasin GishuSponsor: Mfalme Unga LimitedHome ground: ASK Showgrounds, EldoretKABATI YOUTHKabati Youth survived relegation last season and will be looking for a more comfortable campaign this time around.The Murang'a-based club face another demanding test in a division where a poor run can quickly drag teams into trouble. Coach Owen Makokha will be tasked with improving their consistency and ensuring they are not forced into another late fight for survival.Coach: Owen MakokhaCounty: Murang'aSponsor: None listedHome ground: St Sebastian ParkKISUMU ALL STARSKisumu All Stars needed a final-day escape to avoid relegation last season, underlining the challenge facing them as they prepare for the new campaign.The Lakeside club will be determined to avoid another season spent looking over their shoulders and instead establish themselves among the division's more consistent sides.Bonface Onyango Owade will lead the team as they seek a stronger start and a more stable campaign. Backed by Mozzart Bet Kenya, Kisumu will be hopingCoach: Bonface Onyango OwadeCounty: KisumuSponsor: Mozzart Bet KenyaHome ground: Mambo Leo Grounds