AFC Leopards Zuku TV deal in tatters

Hannelie Bekker, Managing Director of Wananchi Promgamming at Zuku (left) and AFC Leopards vice chairman Walter Onyino during the launch of the deal. [PHOTO: FILE / STANDARD]

By GILBERT WANDERA

 When AFC Leopards announced plans to start their own television station two weeks ago, everyone applauded the club for following in the footsteps of top European sides.

But days later the move has come back to haunt the club who now risk suspension from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) if they do not cancel it.

The television station is to be aired in conjunction with Wananchi Group, who owns pay television channel Zuku. The deal has ruffled feathers at the KPL, who have a broadcast rights deal with SuperSport, who are Zuku’s rivals in the market.

According to KPL Chief Executive Officer, Jack Oguda, they will not hesitate to suspend Leopards from the league if the deal with Zuku is not terminated.

“We called them for a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue after our main partners SuperSport raised concerns. However, they never turned up.

“We can give them time to resolve it amicably, but if this does not happen, we will have no option but to suspend them from the league.

“The league has its rules which every club must adhere to. It is the second time we are having problems with Leopards. Two years ago, they tried to enter into a similar deal with SMART TV. We raised concerns and they cancelled it. We expect them to do the same thing,” he said.

Oguda accused Leopards of not informing them about the deal before signing as required,especially considering that KPL already has a television rights deal with SuperSport.

Even as KPL raised concern, there appeared to be confusion at Leopards with officials taking different positions on the matter.

Outgoing chairman, Alex Magelo, contradicted his deputy, Walter Onyino, who was behind the deal by insisting that it must be cancelled.

Magelo said he is not aware of the deal and added it was done behind his back.

“We risk being suspended. I am waiting for a letter from KPL expressing their concerns and then summon an executive meeting to discuss the same.

“We cannot afford to jeopardise our relationship with SuperSport. Some people in the club tried to sign a deal with SMART TV two years ago which caused problems with our main sponsor,” said Magelo. The new television that is to be launched next month will be aired on Zuku Sports.