Kenyan Premier League gala award is tentatively set for December 13th, Jack Oguda, the body’s Chief Executive Officer has told Soka25east.
“Plans are already underway and in a week we will have more updates,” Jack confirmed dispelling fears that the function that crowns every season will not take place this season.
Final date will factor in the CECAFA Senior Challenge set for Kenya from 3rd to 19th December.
The regional tournament was initially planned to end on 3rd December but was pushed back due to “unavoidable” circumstances.
Sports betting giants “Sportpesa” will be the headline sponsor of this year’s award themed “2017 Sportpesa Premier League Award.”
Sportpesa is also the title sponsor of KPL.
Gor Mahia were last weekend coroneted the league champions for a record 16th time in Kisumu – putting to a close a troubled 2017 season.
The season started on a sour note with broadcast partner Supersport pulling out due to breach of contract.
Supersport, for the past ten years sponsored the KPL gala award.
Even though Bamba Sports stepped in, they could not fit in the shoes left behind by the South Africa based pay TV behemoth.
A protracted back and forth between KPL and Football Kenya Federation over the expansion of the league to 18 teams from 16 did not make a bad situation any better.
The effects were obvious as the monthly grants to clubs reduced and the number of live matches on TV dropped.
In general, the quality of the league sunk ten years back with fans shying away from the stadiums.
“It’s one season that has had very many challenges with a lot of interference ranging from political, court processes, lack of stadiums, loss of broadcaster, clubs grants reduction, loss of fans and increased number of games,” Jack admitted.
But he is looking forward to a better 2018.
“We are now focusing to ensure the 2018 season is more stable, increased broadcast matches, better officiating, and balanced fixtures, better relationship with FKF and partners and bringing back fans into our arena.”
On the contentious issue of relegation and promotion, Jack explained that the KPL’s Governing Council will meet next week to discuss FKF’s proposal of a playoff.
