The Kenyan Premier League Limited will be incorporated in the Football Kenya Federation constitution to enhance smooth running of the sport going forward.
However, pundits are looking at the move as a way for FKF to put in check operations at the KPL. The federation’s secretary general Robert Muthomi said the move is aimed at ending incessant wrangles with KPL, which have been dogging football administration in the country. He said the initiative will spell out the roles and rules of engagement between the two bodies.
Speaking in Naivasha during the Sportpesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) football seminar at Elementaita, Muthomi said KPL will be incorporated into FKF’s constitution at the next Annual General Meeting in a move aimed at streamlining the sport. “KPL and FKF are a family. They pay dues to us and there is need for us to work together,” said Muthomi. A supremacy battle between FKF and KPL has been one of the most contentious issues in the preceding regime, culminating into parallel premiership competitions.
Meanwhile, KPL has announced elaborate plans aimed at clamping down on rising cases of hooliganism in football matches. KPL CEO Jack Oguda who was among the speakers at the seminar, said they have put in place a program to train stewards on how to tackle issues around crowd trouble.
Muthomi said players and fans must also be sanctioned in future in order to end the vice once and for all.
“We have to be serious with the hooliganism menace and address it once and for all,” said Muthomi adding that some incidences of crowd trouble are sometimes instigated by players, especially when disputing referees decision. The seminar, which was graced by SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri also tackled issues around sports sponsorships, betting, law and marketing.
Elsewhere, visiting FC Shells from Mombasa surrendered a 2-0 lead at the breather to share the spoils 2-2 with hosts Mnarani in a dramatic fourth tier FKF Division Two league match. Mathew Akimu send FC Shells up in the 29th minute before his colleague Dennis Magige doubled the lead through a spot kick awarded after Ali Manzu was pulled down inside the box in the 34th minute. Mnarani came back a rejuvenated side in the second half and pulled one back 61st minute through Victor Odhiambo. The hosts sustained the momentum throughout the game that saw Andrew Musonye, leveling the score seven minutes to time to enable the hosts salvage a point.
In other league matches played on Saturday, Vimbwanga spanked Machakos United 2-1 at Likoni Peleleza, Yatta Combined walloped Kitui County 4-1 at Matuu, Daystar University gave AGT A 3-0 hidding at Daystar and Mitunguu beat Embu College 1-0 at Mitunguu. Elsewhere, Sparki Youth failed to show up at Taveta for their tie against Tiki.