Zoo FC say player careers on the line after KPL ouster

Zoo Kericho FC chairman Ken Ochieng’ says the careers of his players are ‘under threat’ following the club’s expulsion from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Zoo and Nakumatt FC were suspended from the top flight league following a court ruling that invalidated an expanded 18-team KPL and ordering that it be reverted to 16 teams and now Ochieng’ says they are grappling with where the line is on their future.

According to Ochieng’, failure by the court to give direction as to where the two teams should ply their trade following their ouster leaves them on a no man’s land but remained optimistic of reinstatement.

“I can’t say who is to blame because for all of this because it is a matter in court. What is open for us is to file an appeal and that is something the federation has already done,” Ochieng’ said.

The two clubs have been enjoined as interested parties in the appeal case lodged by Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

The official was speaking at their Kericho Green Stadium home turf where midfielder Michael Madoya was crowned the KPL Player of the Month for June/July after helping the top flight debutants grind six points over the period.

Coach Sammy Okoth said the uncertainty of their future is likely to wear down player morale and maintained it would only be fair that the court allows them to see through their season.

“The biggest question is where we will play next now that the National Super League is heading to its conclusion. It will be very unfair not be ousted from the KPL for reasons other than relegation,” Okoth said.

Madoya, who boasts seven goals and an equal number of assists this term said the court decision has left the playing unit downcast and threatens to render most of them jobless.

“We had ambitious plans for the season which are now all but gone. We depend on football so this decision is going to affect us a lot.”