Top flight action resumes, matches back at Nyayo too
Sofapaka players celebrate their goal against AFC Leopards during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at the Danston Mwanyumba Stadium in Tata Taveta County on November 7, 2021.
What you need to know:
- KCB coach Zedekiah Otieno lauded clubs for staying focused despite the football impasse.
- “Football is our job and we are happy the game is back. We have been training just as other teams and it is good we will now have a chance to play again. We are intensifying our preparations and hope all other issues pertaining to the game will be sorted out,” said the former Kenya international.
The Football Kenya Federation Premier League resumes this weekend after a three-week suspension with seven matches on the cards.
The league was temporarily stopped by the government constituted FKF Caretaker Committee on November 12.
This came a day after Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed disbandment the federation over corruption allegations.
The caretaker committee released the new fixtures on Wednesday and indicated the league will run up to March 13.
Notable in the fixtures is the return of matches at the Nyayo National Stadium, a venue the disbanded FKF were unable to use during their tenure last season and this season too, save for the 2020 Jamhuri Day clash pitting Gor Mahia against Ulinzi Stars on December 12.
Wazito and 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars will have a feel of the Nyayo pitch when they clash from 3pm on Saturday.
The 30,000-capacity facility has not hosted a Premier League match since being opened after extensive renovations by President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 27 last year.
Other matches for Saturday will see Bidco United host AFC Leopards at Thika Stadium, Nzoia Sugar entertain Kakamega Homeboyz at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
Mathare United will face FC Talanta at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. while league returnees Kenya Police welcome seasoned Sofapaka at Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi.
On Sunday, KCB will host newbies Vihiga Bullets at Utalii Sports Club in the only match of the day.
Gor Mahia and Tusker will not be in local league action over the weekend as they are involved in continental club football.
Record Kenyan champions Gor will host AS Otoho d’Oyo of Republic of Congo in Nairobi, while Tusker will be away to Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in Sfaxien in CAF Confederation Cup play-offs return leg matches.
The two clubs’ fixtures against Posta Rangers and Bandari respectively have been postponed.
The caretaker committee has decided to continue with the league from where it had been stopped at the sixth round of matches.
Coaches have welcomed the return of the fixtures, but called for clubs to be funded through the Sports Fund.
The top league in the most popular sport in the country currently has no single sponsorship.
Broadcast rights holders StarTimes TV pulled out last Thursday over contraction shortcomings, while title sponsors BetKing parted ways with the federation on August 6 on mutual agreement.
Kakamega Homeboyz coach Bernard Mwalala said he was happy with the league return as football is a source of livelihood for many, but called for professionalism in its management.
“I can’t speak on the administrative issues but what is important is that finally we can continue with the season. There are issues which need to be addressed on sponsorship and management of the game, but it is good that players can now continue with their jobs,” said Mwalala.
KCB coach Zedekiah Otieno lauded clubs for staying focused despite the football impasse.
“Football is our job and we are happy the game is back. We have been training just as other teams and it is good we will now have a chance to play again. We are intensifying our preparations and hope all other issues pertaining to the game will be sorted out,” said the former Kenya international.
