This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
As the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) continues to face financial challenges, a proposal to increase the number of teams from the Coast region could be a cost-cutting opportunity for the teams.
Currently, all 20 teams in the KPL have to travel to the Coast to play only one match, which is a significant expense. However, if there were more teams from the Coast in the top league, they would be assured of playing two or three matches at a time, reducing their travel costs.
This was the case when Alaskan FC from Malindi, Coast Stars, Mombasa Heroes, and Bandari were in the top league. The teams would travel to the Coast for multiple matches, reducing their expenses.
Unfortunately, the Coast football officials have been more focused on the politics of running Bandari FC than on the performance of other teams from the region. Modern Coast Rangers and Coast Stima, the two teams from the Coast in the National Super League, are struggling to get promoted and are at the bottom of the league.
It is ironic that the officials who have failed to revive the Coast football scene are now positioning themselves for new positions at the county level. The outgoing South Coast branch chairman, Gabriel Mghendi, and Secretary Lilian Nandudu, who have worked hard to develop women's football in the region, are exceptions.
As Bandari FC Chief Executive Officer Edward Oduor pointed out, having more teams from the Coast in the KPL would not only reduce travel costs but also give the team a realistic chance of winning the league.
Bandari FC is set to face Horoya Football Club in a crucial Caf Confederation Cup play-off match next Saturday. The team would have loved to face Chemelil Sugar FC, who donated the three points to them after failing to travel to Mombasa for their league match last Saturday.
