Curfew Extension Dents Hopes Of Concluding 2019/20 KPL Season

18th May 2020

The fate of the season will not be decided as planned, thus killing any hopes that the Kenyan top-flight could resume soon as earlier planned by the KPL, with the curfew in place until June 6

PHOTO | Courtesy
PHOTO | Courtesy
SUMMARY
  • The possibility of being able to conclude the 2019/20 Kenya Premier League (KPL) season continued to grow thinner as the country's national curfew was extended for another 21 days by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta
  • KPL CEO Jack Oguda went ahead and stated that only a meeting by the governing council will now decide the fate of the league.
  • While the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to end the season and declare leaders Gor Mahia FC champions when the government announced the second curfew, there has been a silent war brewing between both parties

NAIROBI, Kenya- The possibility of being able to conclude the 2019/20 Kenya Premier League (KPL) season continued to grow thinner as the country's national curfew was extended for another 21 days by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The fate of the season will not be decided as planned, thus killing any hopes that the Kenyan top-flight could resume soon as earlier planned by the KPL, with the curfew in place until June 6.

KPL CEO Jack Oguda went ahead and stated that only a meeting by the governing council will now decide the fate of the league.

While the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to end the season and declare leaders Gor Mahia FC champions when the government announced the second curfew, there has been a silent war brewing between both parties.

“I cannot comment now until the governing council meets to decide what next for the league.

“Please allow me to speak to the KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier on the matter and then I will be able to give you a good answer,” Oguda stated.

The latest move by the government could be a huge blow for the KPL since with the new season set to kick off in August, it will not be possible to resume the current campaign after the curfew which was imposed on Saturday.

While ending the season, FKF president Nick Mwendwa said they had factored in many reasons before reaching the decision and went ahead to ask the clubs in the league to start preparing for the new season in August.

“KPL clubs must save the little money they have and they could have used to conclude the season by starting preparations when the government relaxes rules imposed on sporting activities.

“It will not be logical to resume the league considering our target is to start the new season in August, we must be realistic, to be honest, and stop crying and put our efforts towards the new season,” Mwendwa said.