FKF WARNS CLUBS OVER LICENCES:Kenyan football governing body sets December 31 as deadline for CAF compliance

Centre Referee George Mwai, left, penalise Gor Mahia's Harun Shakava during KPL match against City Stars at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 24, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Only one Kenyan Premier League (KPL) club has complied with the requirements of CAF licensing.

The deadline for compliance is December 31 and any club that does not conform will not take part in the top-tier league season.

Only Tusker have received a licence of compliance, while Ulinzi Stars have been given a provisional licence.

According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Communications Manager Barry Otieno, only six clubs have started the compliance process.

These include three KPL clubs and three from the Nationwide Super League (NSL). The KPL clubs are Chemelil Sugar, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia. Bidco, Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt Clubs have began the process in the Nationwide League.

“The six clubs have already started the process and have brought to us some of the required documents. We expect them to finish the process before the set deadline,” he said.

The FKF official warned who may delay that there is no guarantee the deadline will be extended. “There is a committee that runs this process and it is independent and therefore, it is their role to decide, who should be given the licence. It is not up to us at all,” he said.

Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer Lodvick Aduda said the club is yet to amend their constitution to enable them to comply with the Sports Act and this is what is delaying them from being issued with the license.

“We have given our budget for the 2017 season as was required and what is remaining is for us to comply with the Sports Act, which we can only do after coming up with a new constitution,” he said. “This can only be done after the club goes to the polls on December 11,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi will be without five players, who were called up to camp for Saturday’s match against Mozambique. Ayub Timbe, Allan Wanga, Musa Mohammed, David Ochieng, and Paul Were have all been ruled out of the weekend fixture.

“Timbe is out injured and he will not be available for selection. We have allowed Were and Ochieng to honor their upcoming club assignments,” said Okumbi.

“Wanga has not reported to camp, but requested to be exempted from the upcoming fixture due to personal engagements. Musa was released yesterday after it seemed his passport would not be ready before Saturday,” the coach added.

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has arrived ahead of the two fixtures, while Zesco United trio of Jesse Were, Antony Akumu and David Owino are expected to link up with the team tomorrow. Kenya play Mozambique on Saturday and Liberia on Tuesday.

Both matches will be at Kasarani from 4pm and fans will pay Sh200 for each tie.