Is the Kenya Premier League losing its spark despite Gor Mahia's form?

Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo reacts after missing a chance in a league match against AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The 2024 FKF Premier League season was a tapestry of triumphs, tribulations, and transformative moments that encapsulated the dynamic nature of Kenyan football.

Gor Mahia’s record-extending 21st league title was a testament to their enduring dominance, yet the season also underscored persistent challenges that continue to impede the league’s progression.

Gor Mahia, affectionately known as K’Ogalo, clinched their 21st FKF Premier League title, reaffirming their status as the most decorated club in Kenyan football history.

Their campaign was characterised by tactical prowess, consistent performances, and a squad depth that outmatched their rivals.

This achievement not only added another accolade to their storied legacy but also highlighted their resilience in maintaining top-tier performance amidst a competitive landscape.

Gor Mahia’s 2023-2024 campaign was marked by 21 wins, 10 draws, and three defeats, amassing a total of 73 points. Their closest rivals, Tusker, finished second with 65 points.

That season’s triumph further cemented Gor Mahia’s supremacy in the league, having won nine titles in the last 14 years, with Tusker claiming the other four.

Despite being an 18-team league, the FKF Premier League has seen little competition at the top, a trend that raises concerns about the league’s overall competitiveness.

Centre Referee Peter Waweru walks away as Arthur Gitego (down) of AFC Leopards is aided by teammates Kayci Odhiambo and Victor Omune. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

In a poignant turn of events, Nzoia Sugar FC faced relegation to the National Super League after a commendable seven-year stint in the top flight.

Their demotion marked the absence of any team from the sugar belt region in Western Kenya in the FKF Premier League, a region historically known for producing exceptional football talent.

Nzoia Sugar’s contribution to Kenyan football is noteworthy; they have been a nurturing ground for players who have advanced to various clubs within the league, enriching the overall quality of the sport in the country.

Nzoia Sugar’s fall reflects broader struggles faced by sugar belt clubs, which have been plagued by financial difficulties and management challenges.

These clubs, often community-supported and reliant on sponsorship from struggling sugar companies, have found it increasingly difficult to compete at the highest level.

The decline of Nzoia Sugar marks a potential end to the presence of these clubs in the top tier of Kenyan football, following the fall of historical clubs such as Mumias Sugar, Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar.

The saga of the sugar belt clubs in the Kenyan Premier League, which began in 1963, is woven with both triumph and tragedy.

Tusker's Goalkeeper Brian Opondo react during their FKF Premier League match against KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on February 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

These clubs have battled through decades marked by financial instability, lack of professional management, and a reliance on single-entity sponsorship which, when withdrawn, has left clubs unable to operate sustainably.

The cessation of a lucrative broadcasting deal with SuperSport in 2017 and the subsequent withdrawal of sponsorship by SportPesa in 2019 have stripped these clubs of financial lifelines.

Historically, the sugar belt clubs have been crucibles of talent, contributing significantly to the national football scene.

Some of Kenya’s legends first showcased their prowess in these local leagues before launching successful careers abroad.

Former Harambee Stars international striker Boniface Ambani said back in May that it is time clubs hand over the management of the team to the community.

“The economic crunch has always hit companies hard. Sustainable measures have never been put in place. When such companies fall under receivership, the sports department suffers most. They are deemed redundant,” said the former Harambee Stars striker.

Meanwhile, Kenya Police FC etched their name in the annals of Kenyan football by securing their first-ever FKF Cup title. This victory earned them a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, providing an opportunity to showcase Kenyan talent on a continental stage.

Their participation, alongside Gor Mahia, who also featured in continental competitions, was a significant stride towards gaining international experience and exposure.

Despite their domestic success, Gor Mahia faced an unprecedented setback by missing out on participation in the CAF Champions League.

This absence was a deviation from their historical presence in continental tournaments and served as a reflection of the administrative and logistical challenges that can impact even the most successful clubs.

Stewards and Marshals disagree during FKF Premier League match between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National stadium on April 21, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The season was marred by instances of hooliganism, casting a shadow over the sport’s integrity and the safety of its stakeholders.

The league continued to grapple with the absence of a title sponsor, a void that strained the financial resources of clubs and the league’s administration.

While broadcast partnerships with Azam TV and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) provided some relief, the government’s subsequent termination of the KBC deal exacerbated the financial challenges.

This instability highlighted the critical need for sustainable sponsorship to ensure the league’s viability and growth.

On an individual level, Benson Omala’s perseverance bore fruit as he clinched the Golden Boot award after narrowly missing out in two previous seasons. He scored 19 goals.

His remarkable goal-scoring prowess was a beacon of excellence and a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the nation.

While Gor Mahia’s triumph and individual accolades like Omala’s were celebratory milestones, they juxtaposed starkly with the systemic issues plaguing the league.

The relegation of historically significant clubs like Nzoia Sugar FC, financial instability due to lack of sponsorship, and episodes of hooliganism painted a picture of a league at a crossroads.

The 2024 FKF Premier League season was a microcosm of Kenyan football’s potential and pitfalls.