CLUBS FACE KPL AXE: Muhoroni and Sony fail to beat licensing deadline

Muhoroni Youth's Abdallah Hamisi, left, is challenged by Daniel Waweru of Ulinzi during KPL Top 8 Knockout semi finals at Nyayo National Stadium on sunday, June 19, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Muhoroni Youth, Sony Sugar and Nzoia failed to beat the extended deadline to re-submit documents for club licensing raising doubts over their fate in next season’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The three clubs were among eight that had been given a Friday noon deadline to submit additional documents before they can get a licence to take part in the KPL next season.

Others that managed to beat Friday’s deadline are Mathare United, Posta Rangers, Western Stima and Thika United.

The three clubs will now have to wait for the club licensing committee to give a verdict on their suitability to participate in the league next season.

“I have been informed that Muhoroni Youth, Sony Sugar and Nzoia did not beat the extended deadline.

Now we have to wait for the committee to give their verdict,” said Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa.

He said the licensing committee will report to the federation’s National Executive Committee on January 3 in regards to those who are eligible to take part in the KPL next season.

“On January 4, the executive committee will issue the names of teams that ill participate next season,” the FKF boss said.

But Muhoroni Youth chairman Moses Adagala insisted that his club will get the licence as they have given all the necessary documents.

“What is remaining are just a few things but we have submitted most of the required documents. I am confident we will get the licence and take part in the KPL next season,” he said.

For Nzoia, it will be a big blow if they lose their place in the KPL next season considering that the team won the National Super League with a record 92 points.

In an earlier interview, Paul Orato, the Sony Sugar chairman had expressed difficulty in beating the deadline. In case the three teams do not get the licence, FKF could promote teams from the lower league that have been licensed.

In this case Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt may benefit.

Relegated Ushuru could also be retained in the KPL in case they have fulfilled licensing requirements.

Jacktone Obure, the acting CEO of Mathare United has in the meantime praised the move to licence clubs.

“We have made several strides in complying with the licensing requirements. I am confident we will be licensed,” he said.

He added: “This is actually a good idea. We have now have an office and the club can operate professionally and this is a good thing.”

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 5 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known