Football Kenya Federation has disclosed that there will be no cash prizes for the overall winners of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League ahead of the season conclusion
According to the federation President Nick Mwendwa, they are facing financial difficulties leading to a lack of funds to run it’s operations effectively.
He said all sponsors pulled out their support following government interference with football activities in the country leaving the federation in a precarious situation.
“There is no room for money ,all sponsors were chased away by the previous regime after direct involvement in management and running of Kenyan football.This season we will not have any prize giving even as we continue to strategise better for the next campaign which will be bigger and better.The future is bright as currently we are in negotiations with many stakeholders and they are very optimistic to partner us.Our season will officially run between August and May with broadcasting and sponsorship deals as well as club licensing. I’m not worried, and I actually think this was a blessing in disguise because we all know now what we need to do.” he noted
Record league champions Gor Mahia and title holders Tusker FC clash on Sunday clash at Nyayo stadium in what appears to be a league deciding match,with K’Ogalo tactician Jonathan McKinstry reckoning his charges will emphatically bounce back from their heart-wrenching Mashemeji derby loss to arch-rivals AFC Leopards a fortnight ago to topple the brewers.
“We are eager to win our next match against Tusker. Losing is unimaginable. That would be too costly for us. Our focus is on delivering the 20th title this season. It would be catastrophic to crash to Tusker on Sunday.The morale in the camp ahead of the match is encouraging. The players have responded very well in training sessions and the energy they are displaying is amazing,” remarked McKinstry.
His opposing number at the Tusker FC Robert Matano on his part believes Sunday’s crunch encounter could determine who between them gets to run away with this season’s title.
“The match indeed has a role in deciding the title race given we only have four matches left before the season concludes.We hope to reap maximum points from the game. We know Gor are good and well organized and so we are doing everything we can to prepare well for them,” said the experienced gaffer
The brewers have amassed 64 points thus far, one better than K’Ogalo who surrendered the summit following a goal-less draw against Wazito at Muhoroni Stadium three weeks ago that preceded their Mashemeji derby debacle.
In 2021/22 season, Tusker were crowned champions, but they only pocketed Sh2 million in prize money from the FKF Caretaker Committee who had been installed by former Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed to manage football affairs in the country after the disbandment of FKF for alleged misappropriation of funds.
But the brewers were not able to represent the country in the CAF Champions League the following season due to the suspension imposed on Kenya by world football governing body, Fifa.