Four KPL clubs opt out of Gotv Shield as 64 teams sign up for knockout tourney

Tusker FC celebrate with trophy after beating Ulinzi FC during GoTV Cup finals at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday, Oct 20, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

GOtv shield champions Tusker open their title campaign against SS Asaad when the tournament kicks off later this month. The draw for the tournament was conducted yesterday.

Four Kenyan Premier League sides will not take part in the tournament.

They include; Muhoroni Youth, Zoo Kericho, Mathare United and Posta Rangers.

In the absence of the five teams, big sides have been paired against small teams.

Gor Mahia start away to Nairobi Water with AFC Leopards meeting Kisumu-based Dero.

A total of 64 teams will take part in the tournament. Live coverage will this year begin at the quarter final stage according to SuperSport East Africa General Manager Auka Gacheo.

This being the last of a five-year contract between the company and Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Auka said they hope to have a great tournament.

“As usual we will be broadcasting the matches live, but this time from the quarter final stage. We have had a fantastic tournament and we will see what happens after that,” he said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa said they hope to end the five-year partnership on a high even as they seek to improve the performance of local teams in international tournaments.

“One of our biggest concerns is trying to find out why our teams don’t do well in the Confederations and we are doing this,” he said.