All is set for the kick-off of Kenya’s elite FKF Premier League on Saturday. The resumption of the domestic league follows FIFA’s lifting of the ban on Kenya football.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that nine games will take place over the weekend.
The highlight of the weekend’s games will see defending champions Tusker taking on Kakamega Homeboyz at Bakukhungu Stadium.
KCB FC will also be in the thick of things when lining up against Kenya Police at Kasarani Stadium.
Other games will see Bidco meeting Nairobi City Stars at Kasarani Annex in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, FKF has organized a fitness test for referees for match officials ahead of the new season’s kick-off.
The physical test will attract 80 elite referees, match assessors, match commissioners and assistant referees on November 15, 2022, and on November 17 2022.
“This exercise is aimed at ascertaining the physical preparedness of the match officials ahead of the kickoff of the 2022/23 season,” a statement from FKF reads.
“The PET training will be spearheaded by Margaret Omondi, Stephen Oduor, Dorcas Moraa, Moses Osani, and Damaris Kimani and will close on Thursday, November 17, 2022.”
WHY FIFA BANNED KENYA FOOTBALL
FIFA banned Kenya alongside Zimbabwe Football Federation, which remains suspended.
The world football governing body imposed the sanctions on FKF on February 24 2022, alongside ZIFA of Zimbabwe.
In the latest decision, FIFA says the Kenyan government has met pre-conditions necessitating the lifting of the ban.
“We are, therefore, pleased to confirm that the Government has fulfilled the aforementioned conditions as set out by the FIFA Council, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Government to allow Kenya’s return to international football,” FIFA’s letter reads.
“In this regard, the Federation will in the coming days communicate the next steps, including the status of the just concluded 2021/2022 league season and scheduled dates for the kick-off of the 2022/2023 league season.”
KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday, 19th November – Sunday, 20th November
Kakamega Homeboyz vs Tusker (Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega)
Ulinzi Stars vs AFC Leopards (Langata)
Posta Rangers vs Mathare United (Thika Stadium, Thika)
Gor Mahia vs Nzoia Sugar (Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi)
Bandari vs Sofapaka (Mbaraki Grounds, Mombasa)
Vihiga Bullets vs Wazito (Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega)
Talanta vs Kariobangi Sharks (Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi)
Kenya Police vs KCB (Kasarani Annex, Nairobi)
Nairobi City Stars vs Bidco (Kasrani Annex, Nairobi
RELATED STORY: Breaking News: FIFA lifts suspension of Kenya football
