Leopards and Sofapaka join Premier League

By Feverpitch Team

The Kenya Football Federation has declared Sofapaka and AFC Leopards winners of the second tier league, KFF Nationwide.

A letter sent to newsrooms by Fifa-recognised secretary general Sammy Obingo, states that Sofapaka and Leopards won Zone B and A.

"We wish to declare Sofapaka and AFC Leopards as winners of their respective zones and are hereby promoted to the 2009 Kenyan Premier League," the statement read.

The announcement, however, comes amid protests by several Zone A clubs over the manner in which Leopards were awarded points through boardroom decisions.

Leopards overhauled Mahakama from the top of Zone A after KFF awarded Compel three points in an abandoned match against the Eldoret-based team.

It is alleged Mahakama fans invaded the pitch after they scored a third goal against Compel. Eldoret Mahakama have since lodged an appeal. KFF, which Obingo in his correspondence says has changed to Football Kenya (FK), has forwarded the names of Sofapaka and Leopards asking them to attend a management and administrative course for 2009 Kenyan Premier League clubs at Whitesands Hotel, Mombasa on November 30.

AFC Leopards, founded in 1964 are 12-time national champions but were relegated in 2006 under controversial circumstances.

Sofapaka will make a maiden appearance in topflight league next season but were the KFF Cup champions in 2007.

Meanwhile FKL have suspended three officials from Eldoret Mahakama, Fluorspar and Nairobi Stima.

Rachel Ngania (Mahakama) was handed a three-year suspension in what FKL said was "disparaging remarks" on the body.

Joash Manyasa (Nairobi Stima) was also handed a three-year ban for "urging Nationwide clubs to rebel against FKL."

Fluorspar’s Joseph Ouma was suspended for two years for concealing facts relating to bookings on his player Kivstone Kololi Mukwana.