Premier League side Tusker F.C is the first Kenyan club to comply in the ongoing CAF Club licensing process.
Tusker who face Ulinzi Stars in the final of the GOtv Shield tournament tomorrow, at the Nyayo National stadium were feted by FKF Club Licensing Committee chairperson Professor Edwin Wamukoya at the federation’s offices in Nairobi.
“Before Licensing Tusker we looked at various aspects of club licensing as fronted by FIFA and as a committee came to the conclusion that the club had met the threshold,” said Professor Wamukoya.
“I want to congratulate Tusker for achieving this milestone and hope that other clubs will follow suit,” added the professor.
FKF CEO Robert Muthomi reiterated the federation’s commitment in ensuring that clubs comply with the club licensing process saying “FKF remains committed to ensuring that all clubs in the Premier League and the National Super League (NSL) comply with the club licensing requirements as stipulated by FIFA and CAF.”
“We are happy that Tusker who stand a good chance in representing the country in CAF organized competitions next year have complied and it is our prayer that the rest of the clubs that are likely to do the same will also take the necessary steps to comply,” added Muthomi.
The main objective of the process is to strengthen and professionalize the way football clubs are run as envisaged by the world governing body and Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to CAF all clubs participating in next year’s continental tournaments have until October 31, 2016 to comply, failure to which they risk forfeiting their slot in the tournaments.
In Kenya, clubs that stand a chance to qualify for the 2017 CAF tournaments include Tusker and Ulinzi all whom stand a chance of lifting the GOTV Shield tournament, which guarantees clubs automatic qualifications in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Others include clubs that until now have a mathematical chance of lifting the Kenyan Premier League and as such, stand a chance of representing Kenya in the 2017 CAF Champions League.