AFC Leopards' chairman Dan Shikanda has urged Kenyan Premier League clubs to work closely with the Football Kenya Federation Transition Committee in resolving the myriad issues bedeviling local football.
Shikanda made the remarks on the sidelines of a stakeholders' meeting at Nyayo Stadium that brought together the government-appointed committee and representatives of topflight clubs.
“The top-flight faced a few challenges, which as league stakeholders in partnership with FKF Transition Committee, they are ready to iron out before the league kick-off,” Shikanda said.
He extolled the committee for hosting the clubs, describing the meeting as a departure from past practices.
"Nothing like this has taken place before in terms of the federation meeting club chairmen and CEOs to deliberate on ways of reviewing and making the league better.
“It has been a great engagement as we've touched on Transfer Matching Systems(TMS), ways to improve our officiating standards, broadcasting partnerships, and curbing hooliganism among others. If well executed, we will be one of the best leagues in Africa," said Shikanda.
The meeting was called to review last season and plan for the upcoming campaign set to kick off on August 27.
Representatives of majority clubs reiterated their commitment to support the interim body mandated to run Kenyan football.
Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer Raymond Oruo urged the clubs to honour the content of their agreement with the TC.
"We need to create a precedence where we honour agreements of some of these discussions we are having," Oruo said.
Chairman of Referees Committee Cesar Handa acknowledged the improved status of officiating, saying they will continue to train match officials to ensure fair and balanced decisions during matches.
"In terms of officiating, there have been challenges but overall, the league ended with a few incidents. Appointment of match officials is done weekly by a committee, ” Handa said.
“Digitisation process is ongoing and this will help transform the beautiful game. Pre-season PET training will take place to boost the standardized officiating of league matches.
The scarcity of match venues was also discussed, with members agreeing on having a serious engagement with Sports Kenya in a bid to secure more venues.
"It doesn't need to be about Nyayo National Stadium or MISC Kasarani because we have Kirigiti, Jamhuri Sports Complex, Kinoru Stadium, and Ulinzi Complex among others. We need to liaise with Sports Kenya to tell us about the vacant playing grounds," AFC Leopards CEO Victor Bwibo said.
A total of 16 club representatives attended the meeting.
