Wadau Premier League: Kenyan football fans’ amateur league launched

Team leaders and Melbet officials during the launch of the Wadau Premier League tourney in Nairobi on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The inaugural Wadau Premier League (WPL) has received a financial boost of Sh300,000 from their official sponsors Melbet Kenya ahead of the league’s kick-off at Strathmore Sports Complex on Saturday.

According to the WPL coordinator Collins Bob Otieno, there will be no prize money for the winners of the amateur league to be played in four series (February, April, August and December).

The league will feature eight-fans teams namely, Hippos, Ndovu, Tigers, Simba, Mafisi, Swara, Kulundeng Original and Kulundeng.

“Today is a happy day for football fans in the country. As the key stakeholders of the game, we feel that we have been ignored for so long and that’s why we are now trying to create space for ourselves. The federation is aware of this league whose aim is to develop amateur football,” said Otieno.

“There will be no prize money for the winners. We just want to have fun and network as we plan to expand it.”

Apart from Meltbet, other sponsors include Evolve Logistics, Coca-Cola, Multichoice and Kombora.

Speaking during the launch, Meltbet Country Manager Henry Omollo said: “We are looking to have a good relationship with WPL for the longest time possible. Just like WPL, we are still young in the industry and would love to grow together. We hope to pump in more money in the next series.”

Just like Omollo, Evolve Logistics Chief Executive Shem Okotah is proud to be one of WPL’s partners.

"Apart from offering employment to thousands both directly and indirectly, sports in Kenya has become a multi-billion-shilling industry. Logistics is a part of modern-day sports and we are here to ensure everything is in place before and after competitions,” said Okotah.

The event was graced by both Harambee Stars legend Musa Otieno and Kombora brand ambassador Ronald Okoth. As the official ball partners of WPL, Kombara will give the organisers 28 balls.

“I have attended several events organised by Kenyan football fans and they are always interesting, I know the league will be no different. Okoth, who previously featured for Gor Mahia, Sofapaka, Mathare United and Western Stima, added “This is an exciting moment for fans and a great avenue for us to enter the Kenyan market.”