The local football season is coming to a close, with the Kenyan Premier League wrapping up this weekend, the Women’s Super League ending in two weeks, and most other leagues concluding around this period.
Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that most teams, even those in the Premier League, will finish the season at a significant financial loss. Clubs in other leagues are likely to fare even worse.
This financial struggle is not their fault. Sponsors have abandoned our football due to corruption, arrogance, and a lack of decorum, particularly in handling sponsors and their resources. When football administrators grow wealthier while clubs suffer, the sport slowly dies.
However, I believe Premier League teams can generate at least 50 million shillings in profit each season.
Achieving this requires strategic thinking, improving infrastructure to attract and retain fans, and implementing systemic changes to demonstrate to sponsors that the game is worth their investment.
Some argue that infrastructure is the government’s responsibility and thus wash their hands of the matter, but that mindset is unproductive. This is our game. It is a game of partnership, teamwork, and leadership.
The end of the season highlights the urgent need for more leadership in the industry. This is the only way clubs and players can prosper and elevate our game. There are no shortcuts.
Congratulations to Gor Mahia for their record league title.
Hussein Mohammed
Vice Chairman
Murang’a Seals Club
