THE 28th round of the 2023/24 NBC Championship League season has seen all four of the clubs chasing automatic promotion pick up vital wins on Saturday.

The race to finish first and second is currently incredibly tight, with Ken Gold FC, Pamba FC, Biashara United, and Mbeya Kwanza FC split by five points.

So far the top two clubs from the second tier of local soccer showdowns are automatically promoted to the top-flight each season, with the teams that finish third and fourth then left to the roulette of play-offs.

Saturday’s headline result was Ken Gold FC claimed an impressive 1-0 away win over play-offs chasing TMA FC at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, Arusha thanks to William Edgar’s first-half strike.

The victory ensured Ken Gold FC maintained their four-point lead at the top. A draw in their next assignment against FGA Talents on Sunday will secure their first topflight promotion.

Pamba FC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over FGA Talents means Mbwana Makata’s men know everything is still in their hands.

They go into the final two rounds of the campaign occupying second place, two points ahead of third-placed Biashara United.

Pamba FC has not been in the Premier League since 1999 but has managed to produce a string of great results to keep them in the running for automatic promotion. However, their run-in is far from easy too with two remaining two games on the road.

Biashara United ensured they remained within touching distance of Pamba FC after beating relegation-threatened Green Warriors 3-0 at the Karume Stadium.

Mbeya Kwanza FC, which was relegated two seasons ago, also secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Pan African to keep up the pressure on Pamba FC and Biashara United. They are only separated from Biashara United on goal difference.

At the bottom of the table, Ruvu Shooting is pretty much certain to be relegated. They need to win all their remaining games to stand any chance of surviving through the playoffs.

The 1-0 loss to Cosmopolitan FC at Mabatini Stadium means they are still six points from safety with two games to play.

Copco FC, currently occupying the last relegation playoff spot has 19 points but with a superior goal which is almost impossible for Ruvu Shooting to catch up with.