KPL optimistic of finding new partners as clock ticks to the big kick-off

Kenya Premier League CEO Jack Oguda says the company is in talks with over 25 organizations that have so far shown interest in sponsoring the League ahead of the new season.

Betting firm SportPesa announced it had cancelled all its local sponsorship agreements due to the impasse with the government over the new betting tax laws.

On August 9 the betting firm said they were operating in an extremely challenging business environment since the government suspended their licenses over what it termed as failure to comply with the new rules.

Despite the challenges, Oguda is optimistic of finding a new partner before the first half of the season.

“So far no one has gotten back to us in regards to sponsorship but we have engaged over 25 companies who have shown interest in partnering with us.

It’s a process that might take time but we are hopeful by mid season we will have a sponsor on board,” enthused Oguda.

At the same time Oguda added that they’ll  conduct inspection on Gusii and Kinoru stadiums to ascertain their readiness to host the top-tier matches.

The move, according to Oguda, is aimed at offering alternative playing grounds to the 18 teams making up the KPL.

“Last season we had a limited number of playing grounds due to the renovations happening at the Nyayo Stadium, but our inspection team will conduct a survey on Kinoru Stadium in Meru and Gusii Stadium in Kisii, to add variety to the ones that already exist ,”Oguda told Citizen Digital.

The new season kicks off on Friday with the Kariobangi Sharks facing Western Stima at Kasarani  before Gor Mahia host Tusker on Saturday at the lakeside city of Kisumu in a highly billed clash.