Players and coaches have no salary headache as they chase for promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on sport, National Super League side Bidco United FC top-hierarchy have assured they will stand by their players by paying their salaries.
Bidco United FC, owned by Bidco Africa, the continent’s giant manufacturer of Fast Moving Consumer Goods, are gunning for promotion to Kenya’s to tier football league — the KPL.
In an interview with Standard Sports, Bidco Africa Group Director Chris Diaz said: “Our priority at the moment is the players’ and coaches.”
“We are helping our players keep safe and fit during these trying times. We are also supporting initiatives that will help them keep safe such as encouraging social distancing. Players are actually training from home,” Diaz said.
READ MORE
Governor Barchok jailed for disobeying court orders to reinstate staff
ODM cleared to proceed with disciplinary case against Sifuna
How regulation overload is stifling Kenya's hospitality industry
Bidco United are in pole position to be promoted to the Kenyan Premier League COVID-19 permitting.
With 12 rounds remaining, the National Super League club is second in the standings with 54 points, two points ahead of Vihiga United, who have played a game more, and 10 behind league leaders, Nairobi City Stars.
It is fingers-crossed for the side formed in 1998 pending decisions by football authorities on how the season concludes after sporting activities worldwide.
If anything, this is the highest they have ever been in the standings, with about two-thirds of the league played.
Diaz, however, is upbeat that football club will navigate the remainder of the season, should the coronavirus scare subside.
“Should everything return to normalcy, the team will be provided an opportunity to play Bidco Uganda among other noteworthy opponents for exposure in preparation for possible promotion.
“We will strengthen our technical team and will have to review our strategy as we will, ultimately, face stiffer competition in case we join the KPL,” says Diaz.
Bidco United had won 17 of its 26 matches played, last winning 2-1 against Administration Police before the season was put on hold. It has drawn three and lost six.
Bidco United coach Anthony Akhulia is grateful for the management’s commitment even as top clubs in the world grapple with salary cuts for players and other staff.
“The players are always motivated as the salaries, over the years, have always been paid on time,” said Akhulia, who has risen through Bidco United’s ranks as a player all the way to head coach position.
“I’m excited at the prospect of leading the club to the top tier for the first time in its history. This is a young and motivated team. The players are sought from divisions 1 and 2, and some straight from secondary schools. As such, they are all hungry for success; we are all hungry to get to a level we have never been to,” said Akhulia, adding that his assistant coach, Simon Ng’ang’a, is also young and raring to go.
