Sony Sugar FC players have resumed training after a three-week absence ahead of weekend’s must-play Kenyan Premier League match against Kisumu AllStars scheduled for Saturday 26th October at Awendo Green Stadium.
The Millers are facing serious financial challenges that has seen the club issue out two walkovers. The first was a home match against AFC Leopards which they failed to turn out for two weeks ago and on Saturday, they did not show up for their away game against Tusker FC.
According to the laws, a team that dishes out three walkovers in the league automatically gets relegated to the second tier and should the 2006 Kenyan Premier League champions fail to honor their homes match against struggling Kisumu AllStars, they will be fined and relegated.
There’s however hope for the team after the players resumed training on Tuesday. 11 players showed up and their training base in Awendo on Tuesday morning with more expected to link up with the team on Wednesday in readiness for the decisive match against the Kenyan Premier League newbies. As of Wednesday however, coach James Nandwa was yet to report back with his assistants and club legends Sylvester Wanyama and Marwa Chamberi taking charge.
A club official has told Opera News they have struck a deal with the playing unit that will see them resume duty as they look to save the team from what looks an imminent relegation and eventual disbandment of the sugar-belt side.
“As you understand our sponsor, Sony Sugar is in a financial problem, actually the whole sugar industry has been affected and it’s directly affecting the team. It’s unfortunate that we gave away two walkovers but we are running up and down to ensure normalcy resumes. We have spoken to the players and reached some agreement, they will play as we look for a permanent solution to the challenges we are facing,” the official revealed in confidence.
Several teams in the league are in financial turmoil and there have been calls to suspend the league indefinitely.