TOURNAMENT UNDER THREAT:Why KPL Under-20 championship hangs in the balance

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Under-20 tournament hangs in the balance over an alleged breach of contract.

SportPesa, who are the tournament’s sponsors, said yesterday they have withheld their sponsorship following a violation on an earlier agreement.

“There has been a breach in terms of visibility, but we are talking to KPL to see if this can be rectified and have the tournament back,” SportPesa Chief Executive Ronald Karauri said.

The tournament, which was inaugurated in April, is played during school holidays and the winner will win Sh500,000.

While the April and August editions were held, dates for the December edition have not been released, leading to doubts about its future.

According to KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda, two clubs failed to put the sponsor’s logo on their shirts during the last edition, a move that brought some friction with the league sponsors.

“We had an issue with two clubs, but we are working on it. We hope everything will be resolved soon and have the tournament back.

“We just need two weeks to run the tournament and once everything is resolved, it can go on. This is an important tournament and we are determined to continue with it.”

The two were speaking yesterday while unveiling sponsors for this year’s KPL awards.

The event will be next Tuesday at Safari Park, where Most Valuable Player (MVP) will win Sh1 million and an LG Television set. Karauri asked players to look beyond the awards and focus on progression of their careers.

“I also want to thank other sponsors, who have come on board to support the awards ceremony.”

KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier praised SportPesa for coming on board to support the event.

“SportPesa has been in the forefront of bringing change to our sports industry and once again, we are grateful to them for sponsoring this event.

“Through their sponsorship, prize money has increased.”