Let all football matters be settled on the playing field

Tusker midfielder Noah Wafula (left) vies with Gor Mahia defender Godfrey Walusimbi during the Kenyan Premier League Super Cup match in Nakuru on March 5, 2017. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |

What you need to know:

  • There are six matches lined up for the weekend across various venues.
  • As the ball gets to roll, stakeholders are deeply concerned by the never ending fights between the federation and the league body.

After three months of anxious wait occasioned by incessant fights between Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan Premier League over the size of the competition and modalities of promoting and demoting teams, the 2017 season finally kicks off on Saturday afternoon.

There are six matches lined up for the weekend across various venues.

Defending champions Tusker will look to get their title defence off to a flying start when they host newly promoted Nzoia Sugar FC at the Afraha Stadium.

Bandari under the tutelage of the award winning Ugandan coach Paul Nkata will play host to another new kid on the block in Nakumatt.

On Sunday, Mathare United will be the hosts at the Thika County Stadium where they’ll battle Thika United.

At the same venue, Kariobangi Sharks, making their debut in the top flight, will test the resolve of record 15-time champions Gor Mahia as Sony Sugar clash with neighbours Chemelil Sugar in a sugar millers derby at the Awendo Green Stadium.

Zoo Kericho, who after three seasons of sustained push for top-tier status have finally attained their goal, will begin life in the top division with a crunch date with Posta Rangers at the Afraha Stadium.

As the ball gets to roll, stakeholders are deeply concerned by the never ending fights between the federation and the league body. As things stand, two more slots are yet to be filled to make the top-tier league an 18-team affair. The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) is yet to rule on a case filed by Sofapaka and Muhoroni Youth – challenging their demotion from the top flight after failing to comply with the stringent Club Licensing requirements imposed by FKF.

The SDT needs to be bold in its ruling to clear the conundrum and leave no cloud of uncertainty on the choking matter. Also, footballers, coaches, referees and the fans are about to be treated to a not-so- good happening.

Football guided by its parameters evokes passion and every game should be won fairly. In the same token, security must be maintained in our stadiums.

The tired phrase dangled by the league managers whenever ugly cases of hooliganism grace our stadia that ‘police officers failed us’  should  be a thing of the past.

Fans pay to watch the game and need to get value for their money. Footballers must raise their game to a new level. With fair play, we will all be happy to crown not just the best team at the end of the term but the best players as well.

The writer is a former Nation Reporter and football commentator.