KPL season to end on October 6

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The premier league season is set to end on October 6 to pave the way for a change of calendar, in line with a directive from the continental football federation.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has revised the 2018 season fixtures as the Confederation of African Football (Caf) prepares for a major shift of periodicity of all its competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and interclub competitions.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa said KPL must have a champion on October 6 to pave the way for a new season that must end in June next year.

“We have been mulling over a change of the KPL calendar, but this time round we have no choice but to comply with the Caf directive,” Mwendwa told Standard Sports yesterday.

He added: “A new Caf Champions League and Confederation campaign must also start in November to end in May next year.

“FKF has had a meeting with KPL clubs and asked them to discuss modalities of how to comply with the Caf directive. It also means we shall have a radical shift in all other leagues to align with the sporting and competition principles of promotion and relegation.”

A letter signed by Caf Deputy Secretary Football and Development Anthony Baffoe notes that the changes to the periodicity for interclub competitions were proposed during an African Football symposium and implemented during an Executive Committee session on January 10.

“A transitional season is instituted from November 2018 to May 2019. In this regard we inform you that the team registrations for this transitional season will be closed mid-October,” the Caf letter reads.

The changes will have far-reaching implications on the KPL, National Super League (NSL) and county league calendars. The cash-strapped KPL and NSL clubs must finds means of funding their logistical costs because there will be increased mid-week matches in order to achieve compliance.

“It is for this reason we have had a meeting with KPL clubs and asked them to come up with modalities for this and the next season, which must begin in November,” Mwendwa said.

Kakamega Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula complained that the changes would add to clubs' financial difficulties.

“We are struggling financially given that we have no sponsors. Add that to the physical demands on players, who will have to play more matches in a few days and the situation will get from bad to worse. I think this is the time the Government should step in to help,” Shimanyula said.

Nakumatt FC is the hardest hit, with the club now depending on well-wishers to fund its basic needs.