Kenya Premier League U20 tourney is back

The Kenyan Premier League youth tournament is back and even bigger this time around.

The tournament was last held three years ago, but fizzled out due to lack of sponsorship.

Sportpesa, who are the KPL title sponsors have laid out Sh18.6million as sponsorship for this year’s tournament set to be held in April, August and December.

The April tournament kicks off on April 17-30 in Nairobi. The winner in each category will walk away with Sh500,000 unlike the previous editions that did not have prize money.

According to Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karuri, who was the chief guest during the unveiling of this year’s event said support to the tournament was part of their promotion of grassroots football.

“We have always emphasised the need to develop grassroot football and, therefore, cannot forget the youth. We hope to empower teams through this tournament and hope that other cooperates will join us on the way to support this great initiative,” he said.

The two Kenyan giants , AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, are in Pool ‘A’ together with Sofapaka and Western Stima according to the draw.

According to Moses Adagala, who chairs the tournament’s organising committee, they will be strict on age to curb cheating.

“We will be very strict to ensure that only those within the required age bracket are allowed to take part. We ask clubs to support us in this area,” he said.

Adagala thanked their new sponsors saying they have come in at the right time to help revive the tournament. Posta Rangers, Mathare United, Chemelil Sugar and Tusker are in Group ‘ B’

Western Stima are the holders of the Youth category tornament having won in 2013.

Thika United won the inaugural edition in 2012.