Robin Toskin
1 March 2008
Nairobi — This year's Kenyan Premier League (KPL) gets under way today completely re-branded, leaner and cushioned with a four-year multi-million shillings sponsorship deal by Africa's leading satellite TV, SuperSport.
The Sh360 million-sponsorship would see KPL matches beamed across Africa for the first time in the history of the local league.
SuperSport has announced that an Outside Broadcasting (OB) van for live coverage of selected matches is in the high seas and would arrive in time for the official launch later this month.
Coming at a time when all local football fans have known is heartache; the unprecedented deal is expected to spur a reawakening of sorts even if only, playing catch up with the rest of the continent.
Seven matches have been lined up with last season's runners up Mathare United's clash at home to Thika United providing the highlight of the opening day this afternoon at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Deposed champions Sony Sugar visit Agro Chemical in a Western Kenya derby while champions Tusker start their title defence tomorrow at Kasarani against new comers Bandari. Kenya's most decorated club Gor Mahia, are at City Stadium to host Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) this evening.
After two seasons of madness that saw parallel leagues staged across the country inviting Fifa's wrath, there seem to be a sense of optimism engulfing the local football fraternity.
KPL Chairman Bob Munro said ahead of the big kick-off: "I am looking forward to the 2008 season. Last year was one of the most competitive seasons but I expect exciting football to be played this year. We have done a lot of things including issuing of new player's cards to ensure harmony in player registration. To that end we don't expect problems as before," Munro said.
Sher Agencies coach James Nandwa said: "Hopefully this season will be the first step towards professionalising the local league. There will be stiff competition as there is a lot at stake. With the sponsorship, at least small teams can afford to pay their players."
The new season has generated enthusiasm among players, too, raising hope the country's best players who migrated to the Tanzanian, Ugandan and Rwandan leagues would return in the near future.
Former internationals have already returned in coaching and managerial capacities. Wycliffe Anyangu (Bandari), Bobby Ogolla (World Hope), Francis Baraza and Peter Otieno 'Bassanga' (Sony Sugar), Sammy Omollo (Gor Mahia) and Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno (Chemelil) are some to have entered the fray.
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