FKF announces promotion and relegation playoff dates

John Njuguna (left) of Ulinzi Stars battles for the ball with Crispin Opondo of Kisumu All-Stars during the Kenya Premier League match on February 23, 2020, at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. [Photo: Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has set the dates for FKF Premier League/National Super League promotion playoff matches ahead of the new season.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Kisumu All-Stars will meet third-placed National Super League (NSL) side Vihiga United in October.

FKF said on Wednesday that a draw will be held to determine which team kicks off the crunch clash at home.

“Dates have been set for the FKF Premier League/National Super League promotion playoff pitting 16th placed KPL side Kisumu All-Stars against third-placed NSL side Vihiga United.

“The first leg has been slated for Wednesday, October 7, 2020, while the second leg will be played on Sunday, October 11, 2020. The winner on aggregate is entitled to a place in the 2020/21 FKF Premier League.

“A draw is set to be held, in accordance with Art. 2.9.2 of the FKF Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, to determine which team kicks off the tie at home,” FKF said in a statement seen by Standard Sports.

Kisumu All-Stars were placed in the relegation zone (16th position, 9 points) alongside Chemilil and Sony Sugar (18th position, 0 points) before the season was brought to a sudden halt by the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Vihiga United players celebrate after scoring against Ulinzi Stars during their Sportpesa Premier League match played at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Dec 9, 2018. Vihiga United won 2-0. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

FKF’s move comes a day after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) dismissed a petition by KPL challenging a decision by FKF to prematurely end the 2019/2020 season and declare Gor Mahia champions.

On April 30, FKF president Nick Mwendwa cancelled the football season, declared Gor as winners while promoting Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United to the top-tier league.

SDT chairman John Ohaga pointed out that KPL Chief Executive Officer, Jack Oguda, did not follow the correct processes before dragging FKF to the Tribunal.

Ohaga further noted Oguda filed te case without authority from KPL clubs.

"The interested parties in this case explained that no valid resolution had been made by KPL's Governing Council for the filing of the petition. The conclusion thus is that the petitioner filed this case without proper authority from the shareholders and it (the petition) is therefore invalid,” Ohaga ruled on Tuesday.

K’Ogalo chairman Ambrose Rachier echoed Ohaga’s ruling that the petition was improperly placed before the Sports Tribunal.

Gor Mahia team celebrates after winning their Kenya Premier League title at Kenyatta Stadium Machakos on Saturday 25/05/19. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]