Why FKF Premier League has been postponed by a week

FKF President Nick Mwendwa at Goal Project unveiling Sh1.2 billion sponsorship deal with Betking towards sponsoring the Kenyan Premier League and the Women League. July 16, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League kick-off has been postponed by a week.

The federation confirmed yesterday that the kick-off date for the 2020-21 FKF Premier League campaign has been changed from November 20, Friday, to November 28.

According to FKF officials, the league has been post pond owing to logistical problems.

“We have a number of logistical issues which need to be done, including testing of players and officials for Covid-19 and all those who will be involved during matches. The new season will now kick-off on November 28 and not this Friday [November 20] as earlier planned,” said the federation.

“It is the reason we have shifted the date but we are confident the league will now start on November 28.”

The Federation however revealed that they are awaiting government approval on moving forward with the league.

AFC Leopards' Collins Shivachi stares at Jedinak Nana of Sofapaka FC during Round 21 of KPL match at Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday, Feb 22, 2020. AFC won 2-1 goals against Sofapaka FC. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

FKF said they have written to the government updating them on the postponement of the league and their plans of kicking off the league on November 28.

“We have informed both the Ministry of Sports and Health on our plans to kick off wit the domestic league next week. We will now await for their reply and see the way forward,’ said the federation.

Gor Mahia were declared the champions of the 2019-20 season after the FKF moved to end the league prematurely owing to the Covid-19 outbreak with Kisumu All stars, Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar all relegated to the second tier league.

Nairobi City Stars, Bidco United and Vihiga United will join the league after being promoted from the National Super League.

The new season will be under the leadership of the FKF after the federation refused to renew the contract of the Kenya Premier League (KPL), who had managed the division for over 17 year.