The historic coronavirus pandemic has put the entire globe in great disarray, and everything is currently at a standstill with no definite period for a return to normal life.
The Kenyan Premier League was not spared either as they were forced to suspend all leagues in March following the government’s directive to ban any public gatherings and closure of all stadiums.
The ongoing curfew and cessation were extended to end on May 16, only eight days to the end of the KPL season 2019/20.
This prompted the FKF to cancel all the leagues and declare Gor Mahia as the season’s elite league champions. The Federation invoked Rule 2.6.1.2 of the rules and regulations governing Kenyan football to arrive at the decision. That means the results will remain they were before the emergence of the pandemic.
Of course, the effect of this decision had to spark mixed reactions as it has. Some clubs were to welcome it gladly while the vice versa is true for others.
Today, we’ll look at Kisumu All Stars, as one of the clubs that benefited from the premature closure of the campaign.
Statistically, the Kisumu All Stars’ chances of surviving the elite league was hanging by a thread. Out of the 22 matches, the Kisumu-based side won two, drawn three and lost 17, throwing them to the 16th position on the log, just one step away from the relegation zone.
And as at the time of league suspension, the KPL newcomers had nine points, same as Chemelil Sugar, who are 17th, and have face the wrath of automatic relegation alongside Sony Sugar.
The statistical comparison between Kisumu All Stars and Chemelil Sugar in their last five matches before COVID-19 shows how the former are like a stick snatched from the fire.
The Chemelil-based millers were a bit stronger in their last five encounters as they had a win and a draw, unlike All Stars who had only drawn once and lost the rest.
Even though Kisumu All Stars will have to play Vihiga United FC in the KPL/NSL Promotion/Relegation playoff, the cancellation of the league gave them some sigh of relief.