Football Kenya Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) yesterday kicked off a two-day club licensing workshop featuring Premier League and National Super clubs (men and women)
“I am happy clubs are taking this workshop seriously. We’ve improved but we are not there yet especially as far as finance is concerned," said FKF president Nick Mwendwa while launching the workshop.
"We are asking clubs to do this early and avoid last-minute rush and that’s why this workshop is in April. We don’t want clubs going to CAF competitions half-baked.”
According to Fifa Professional Football Report 2023, Kenya has 18 professional KPL clubs, 20 semi-professionals in the NSL, 32 amateurs in Division One, 142 amateurs in Division Two and 320 amateurs in FKF regional leagues.
“Club licensing has been an initiative for a couple of years by Caf,” added Mwendwa.
“The level of professionalism, development and growth was an issue and Caf mooted the initiative to ensure proper standards and organisation. This is about structures at all levels for clubs.”
Gor Mahia were last year struck out of CAF competitions after their club license was revoked by FKF as a result of a payment dispute between the club and some of their former players.
“We have developed since the 2016/17 season and every year we have made strides. Our Premier League clubs have done very well given the circumstances. We suffered (Fifa) suspension which disrupted the whole affair. We came back last year and made sure the clubs lifted their levels. Now we have a payroll and medical cover for every player. This club license makes it mandatory to provide medical cover for every player,” concluded Mwendwa.
Football coach Ronald Okoth, representing Sofapaka at the workshop, insisted on the importance of club licensing having recently transitioned from playing to coaching.
“This is important, especially, if we are to make progress as well as achieve financial success,” said Okoth.
