Following a meeting of top club officials held on Monday, the groundwork has been laid for the launch of the new National Super League (NSL) season this weekend.
Kisumu All Stars chief executive officer, Nicholas Ochieng, said he is happy that his team will finally get to play after training for a long time.
Kisumu All Stars chief executive officer, Nicholas Ochieng, said he is happy that his team will finally get to play after training for a long time.
"As you know, we had a problem last year with our leagues. At the moment, there is a restraining order that was issued by the National Executive Committee that the league play last season was thankless and invalid,” Ochieng said.
"We are happy that now we are going back to normal where the boys will play and Kenyans will enjoy football again. We are here to prepare adequately so that we can have one of the best leagues."
Ochieng said he believes Kenyans have experienced a football drought and now it is good to bring the game back to those who desire it.
"We want to thank the federation for the cooperation they made with the new government to restore stability in football. It is a win-win situation for Kenyans, the club owners, and the players they have. Football is work. Football is not just entertainment as people used to think. Now it's a business and now we expect the return of the sponsors.
He hoped the national team, Harambee Stars will be able to feature in the next World Cup so that budding Kenyan footballers can also have something to fight for in the future.
Migori Youth director Abdi Aziz Osman described the preseason meeting as fruitful, adding he believed all the teams are now ready to start the league.
“We are ready for our first match against Muranga Seal at home and I urge our fans to turn out in large numbers so that they can encourage the team to perform well,” Aziz said.
“We thank God that we have managed to overcome the earlier confusion that had beset the country and we are now ready to participate in a league that is recognised by Fifa.
Mara Sugar CEO Ruth Omala said it was unfortunate that things had to happen the way they did in the preceding season.
“In such situations, it's the game and the players that suffer. It's a good sign that things are going back to the way they were before and we are hoping for better results this coming football year,” she said.
