Five games in, the Kenya Premier League is in some sort of limbo. The league sponsors, Sportpesa departed months ago and now most clubs have no money. The situation was put into sharp focus on matchday five when Sony Sugar failed to turn up for a home match against AFC Leopards.
This ha led to clubs writing to the Leagues organizing committee seeking to have the league suspended until a solution is found. Below, we look at why that is a bad idea and would be a wrong move for Kenyan football.
Renders joblessness
The Kenya Premier League serves as a source of employment for thousands of Kenyans especially the youth. From the matchday referees to the stewards, coaches, and players. Postponing the league would mean that all these people who depend on the league for a living will be jobless.
Sure, they might not be getting as much as they should be at the moment, but as the saying goes, better half a loaf than none.
Talent Stalls
Suspending the league basically menas that no top-flight football will be played for months. This will delay the development of young talents currently horning their skills in the Kenya Premier League.
A footballer’s progress is only measured through playing time so how will we know whether our young talents are blossoming without actually playing them?
Bad Marketing
With Sportpesa now out of the picture, the immediate task is finding a new sponsor for the league. However, it’s hard to see how anyone will be willing to invest their money in a league that is not even active.
Any investor will want to see the product they are investing their money on hence why the league must go on. Postponing it will only be negative in terms of marketing the league to potential sponsors.
Do You think the league should be postponed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below…