By Agnes Amondi

The General Council of the BetKing FKF Premier League has set November 20 as the official league kick off date. The decision was reached after its October 9 meeting, which amongst other issues, deliberated on the resumption of football as well as the league.

In a press statement sent by the FKFPL Governing Council on Tuesday afternoon, the body is keen to ensure the 2020/21 season will be played to completion and in line with the global football calendar. It warned that beyond the stipulated date, it will be impossible to start and finish the league.

“The General Council wishes to see the commencement of the 2020/2021 season with the league kick off match on Friday 20 November. This was informed by the need to ensure completion of the league season in good time and in line with the global football calendar. Beyond that date, it will be impossible to start and complete the league,” read the statement in part

This will see the league release the fixtures for the upcoming season on Wednesday 14 to allow clubs to plan for the resumption of the new league season.

Kenya’s international friendly match against Zambia on Friday 9 at the Nyayo National Stadium was the first match to be played since sports was paused in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Governing Council pointed out that it provided a positive outlook for a safe return.

“The progress of preseason training by the league clubs that is currently ongoing and the successful international friendly between Harambee Stars and Chipolopolo of Zambia while observing the Ministry of Health protocols has laid positive ground for the safe resumption of the league.”

It further affirmed that it has measures that will ensure the league will take place within the existing health regulations in the country.