This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, the Kenyan government suspended the operating licenses of 27 betting firms, including SportPesa, which has been the main sponsor of the Kothbiro Offseason tournament and the Kenyan Premier League.
As a result, local football tournaments like Kothbiro are set to experience hardships in terms of sponsorship. Speaking to Ghetto Radio Sports, Kothbiro Official Issa expressed concerns about the tournament's future.
“Without SportPesa's sponsorship, the fate of Kothbiro tournament is set to collapse, with all hopes left to well-wishers,” Issa said.
Kothbiro, in its 41st edition, has been receiving sponsorship from SportPesa since its inception. The tournament has a rich history, having brought out almost 90 percent of the national team players since the 80s, including notable players like Mahmoud Abbas, Bobby Ogola, Swale Oswayo, and Sammy Owine.
With SportPesa's suspension, the tournament is set to face significant challenges, including the loss of sponsorship for kits, prize money, and other essential support.
By Arnold Olando
