Velona Ayuko
Currently, a dark cloud hangs over football in Nyanza because the region lacks a team in the top tier of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), despite being home to some of the country’s best players. Western Stima of the FKFPL, who play at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, are considered a Kakamega side due to past affiliation.
However, the region is represented in the National Super League by four teams, including former KPL heavyweights Shabana FC, cane cutters Sony Sugar, Kisumu Hotstars, and Kisumu All Stars.
Various playing grounds in Nyanza are set to host several football competitions following the launch of regional and county leagues, raising hopes of restoring the lost glory in the region.
Odibets, a betting company, is sponsoring the new leagues after signing a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to help develop grassroots football. All county leagues were renamed Odi Mtaani as part of the agreement. Each team taking part in the county league countrywide has since received two sets of uniforms and six balls.
Kenyan football has been on its deathbed for quite some time. The regional league was launched by FKF officials barely a fortnight after the county leagues in Kisii and Nyamira counties began.
At the Ekerenyo playing ground in Nyamira, 36 teams from six counties (Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Siaya) were flagged off to compete in the regional league, with each county producing six teams.
The exercise was officiated by National Executive Committee (NEC) member representing Nyanza region Joseph Andere and 10 FKF chairmen from various counties.
“We are determined to take football to the grass root. We want to tap as many talents as possible,” said Andere.
County competition winners will each receive Sh100,000 in addition to promotion to the regional league. Division 2 will be made of the regional champions.
He regretted that they are forced to use school playing grounds which at times are unavailable due to strict rules from school management.
“I am calling upon the county government to renovate public grounds where we can comfortably host our matches. The county has turned a blind eye on sporting activities,” Mbegere, the FKF Chairman said.