This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
June 17, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought Kenyan football to a standstill, with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) at odds over the way forward for the 2019/20 season.
Gor Mahia head coach Steve Polack has urged the two parties to resolve the impasse as soon as possible, so that clubs can plan for the future.
FKF boss Nick Mwendwa announced the ending of all football seasons across the country due to the COVID-19 situation, but KPL went to the Sports Disputes Tribunal to reverse the decision.
The Tribunal is set to rule on whether to continue with the case or not on June 30, after weighing up preliminary objections raised by FKF counsel as well as eight other KPL clubs.
Polack expressed his confidence in his players, saying 'If they say we play again, then we play. I am confident in my players and if they say tomorrow we will be back then we will be ready.'
However, he also expressed concerns about the feasibility of restarting the season, citing the need for clubs to satisfy safety parameters, including tests on players and officials, and the cost of disinfecting training grounds and pitches.
Polack has been locked up in the country since the league went on break, and has not seen his family since December.
He has already drawn out plans for the new season, and is keen to ensure that the club retains most of its players, especially those with contracts running.
