KPL Turn Down Kerr's Petition To Postpone Local Fixtures

NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has turned down the petition by Gor Mahia FC head coach Dylan Kerr to postpone forthcoming domestic fixtures to aid their 2018 CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal qualification push.

The SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions lead Group D of the Confed Cup on goal difference from USMA Alger with both tied on eight points with Rayon Sport from Rwanda (three) and already eliminated Yanga SC of Tanzania (one) propping the standings.

Gor host Rayon this Sunday in Nairobi with their British head coach keen on finishing first to avoid the seeded sides in the second-tier continental competition besides getting to play the second of their Confed quarterfinal at home.

 “The back log of ties has brought in fatigue in our team. All my players have been affected, both first 11 and reserves.

“We are missing the sharpness that we had and if you have noticed, our reaction on pitch is currently slower by a millisecond,” Kerr lamented to SportPesa News on Tuesday.

Kerr subsequently requested KPL to postpone their SPL fixture against third-placed Sofapaka FC on August 22 ahead of a crunch week where they face domestic archrivals AFC Leopards SC in the Mashemeji Derby (August 25) before playing USMA four days later in Algiers.

Swift rejoinder

In a swift rejoinder, KPL Chief Executive Officer, Jack Oguda, said there was simply no space for any further postponement in the SPL in a shortened season as the country works towards meeting the new CAF regulations that all domestic leagues in the continent will run from August to May from 2019.

“We responded to him today (Tuesday) that according to FKF, the league has to end on October 7 and we cannot know whether Gor will proceed in the CAF competition or not.

“But the way they are playing, they will get congested fixtures the same way. There is no other option,” Oguda, who acknowledged the request to defer their Sofapaka game remarked.

In pressing for his case, the Briton stated he has never seen anywhere in the world where a team is allocated five matches within 13 days like Gor.

Kerr who led the team to their 16th domestic crown last season and is well poised to see his team retain their title- they need only eight points to be declared champions- cited returning defender and Burundian import, Karim Nizigiyimana, who has had no time to return to match fitness after a long spell on the sidelines injured.

“Our time table is horrendous. I cannot even organise friendlies ahead of our CAF competitions. There is no time for players to rest, train and bond since they are always in recovery. The team I selected for Monday cannot travel to play Chemelil on Thursday.

“When players connect there is that enthusiasm and team spirit that naturally flow in the club. No amount of money can ever buy this,” he underlined.

The Briton posted a video on his official Twitter handle-- @Legend3- where he called on KPL officials to watch and learn how proper recovery is vital for players.

He complained further the tight calendar had become a punishment to their devoted fans, commonly referred to as the Green Army, since they too have had no time to rest between trips.

“We have the most passionate and loyal followers in the country. I really feel for them because of the tedious timetable.

“The other day they were with us in Machakos, and then they sacrificed time to join us in Mombasa. We proceeded to Kisumu and they came in large numbers and this Thursday they will be supporting us as we take on Chemelil Sugar FC in Nakuru,” Kerr protested.

Oguda accused the club of failing to take heed of their advice to clear their domestic backlog earlier in the season.

“We told them it would come to bite them later. They should have played Homeboyz and Posta Rangers FC earlier and unless they want to play within the FIFA window that starts on September 3, then there is no other way we can postpone their games and they are aware,” the KPL boss maintained.

Gor thumped Homeboyz 3-1 on Monday to open a 14-point gap at the top of the SPL to close in on a record-extending 17th domestic league success, having lost only once in the competition this term.

Kerr clarified that he not kicking a fuss about the tight program and was only urging the KPL officials to put the country’s football first and aid their quest for continental glory.

Gor schedule

1. Gor vs Chemelil Sugar FC – August 16, 2018, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru

2. Gor Mahia vs Rayon Sports SC (Rwanda) - August 19, 2018. Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi-CAF

3. Gor Mahia FC vs Sofapaka FC- August 22, 2018- Narok Stadium

4. Gor Mahia FC vs AFC Leopards SC (Derby) - August 25, 2018.Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi

5. Gor Mahia FC vs USM Alger- August 29, 2018- Algiers, Algeria