By Fredrick Nadulli,
Football, like religion considered the opium of the masses, is fast degenerating into a poisoned chalice in Kenya. And if recent developments are anything to go by, we are back in the abyss, with no let-off in sight.
DOLDRUMS
That Football Kenya Federation has promoted a massive eighteen teams to their top tier league is laughable if not absurd.
Kenyan Premier League has stubbornly dug in its heels and adamantly insisted on a status quo, as recommended by world body FIFA.
After persistent accusations and counter accusations, the gloves are off. This augurs well not one bit for the sport in the country. As expected, the biggest losers here are the subjects that matter most, players.
Apparently, amid all the standoff, the country is wise enough to point out the wolf from the sheep in this deadly mix-up. It is crystal clear which camp wants us back in the doldrums.
As a matter of fact, some souls will not know peace until the football house comes crushing. To that team, it is either their way or nothing for everyone. Sadly, but perhaps not surprising, they are prepared to be buried in the whole rubble together with the rest of the football fraternity, if only to see their rivals not calling the shots.
SOLIDARITY
In hindsight, Kenyans, and by extension FIFA, need to step back and let both leagues run. Even the most clueless layman knows which competition shall die a natural death. Clubs that matter have expressed unanimous solidarity with their preferred establishment. For once, let everyone have their way. At the end of it all, after fingers are burnt and gargantuan egos badly bruised, perhaps someone will painfully realise the game is bigger than any one personality. Their will be no hiding place for their egg-tainted faces.
The proverbial chickens will have come home to roost; way before sunset.