FKF Premier League clubs receive Sh1m grant

Posta Rangers players Charles Pilipili (right) and their goal keeper Ian Otieno (left)) after the FKF match held at Bukhumgu Stadium in Kakamega on 22/FEB/2015. They drew 0 - 0. BY CHRISPEN SECHERE

A majority of clubs that will take part in this season’s FKF Premier League have received their Sh1million monthly grant from the federation.

The money hit the club accounts from Monday evening and is part of the Sh9million each of the 18 clubs is supposed to receive this year.

Posta Rangers chairman John Tonui confirmed they received the money on Tuesday and have now fully committed themselves to take part in the FKF-Premier League.

“We received the money and are grateful that the federation kept its word to send the cash as agreed in our club’s meeting on Monday. This money will go a long way to help us prepare for the league,” he said.

Modern Coast Rangers official Ferdinand Ogot also confirmed the money reached their accounts on Tuesday and will help them in their preparations.

Kariobangi Sharks and Bidco are the other clubs which received the monthly grant.

However Ligi Ndogo chairman Chris Amimo said they are expecting the money by today.

“It has not reflected in our accounts yet but we are sure it will come in a day or two,” he said.

Amimo said though they are grateful to play in top flight football this season it came as a surprise and will need a few weeks to adjust.

“Normally, our league starts in March and that is what we were preparing for. This came as a surprise but we have to adjust,” he said.

Amimo said the stand-off between FKF and KPL is a blessing in disguise for teams and players.
“Forget about the ego battles. What this means is that there is more money for the clubs. In a stroke of the pen, it has doubled the number of those who are earning from football and as a club we have even received inquires from a number of KPL players wanting to join us,” he revealed.

FKF has also released fixtures set to kick off this weekend and includes both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia though the two teams have vowed to stick with KPL.