Hull City set for Kenyan tour

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will faceoff next Tuesday at Afraha Stadiun in Nakuru with the winner playing English Football league championship side Hull City on May 13 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said the second-tier outfit will arrive in the country on May 11 for a five-day tour that will feature several other activities.

The Nigel Adkins-coached side, who were relegated from the English Premier League (EPL) last season, currently sit 18th on the 24-team log with 48 points from 44 rounds.

“Our partnership with Hull City is intended to benefit local players and that’s why they will also be conducting a coaching clinic and a training camp while here,” Karauri said on Monday.

This will be the second time a Kenyan side meets Hull City after the SportPesa AllStars' 2-1 loss to Hull City in February last year at KCOM Stadium in the UK.

In a statement released by the betting firm, coach Adkins said he is optimistic of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the club to be able to go play in Kenya. The passion for football out there is enormous and we can’t wait to interact with the local teams, I’m much honoured to be the first coach to bring the team to Africa," stated the 53-year-old.

In a related development, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia said Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums will be ready by June 1 this year.

The two stadiums have been under renovations since last year, a move that forced KPL clubs to overburden Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos for league matches.

“We guarantee that Kasarani will be very ready for the Hull City game. Work is going on and very soon we shall do an inspection together with other pitches,” he said.

Kasarani could also host Gor Mahia’s Caf Confederation Cup matches depending on its availability according to Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier.