The Kenya Premier League (KPL) and the lower National Super League (NSL) players are set to benefit from a Sh. 5.2 million following a deal signed between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and a betting firm Betika on Thursday.
The move is aimed at cushioning players from the ravages of the Coronavirus pandemic that has also seen football activities halted in the country.
So dire has been the situation that a number of players from diverse teams have either gone without pay or have been paid meagre salaries since March
Among the teams that will benefit from the deal include 17 clubs that are taking part in the top-tier league as well as 19 from the second division with each player expected to take home Sh 5,000.
While presenting the cheque to FKF president Nick Mwendwa and Gor Mahia’s skipper Kenneth Muguna and Antony Kimani of Nairobi City Stars who represented the clubs, the firm’s commercial head John Mbatia stressed on their commitment to supporting local football.
“Football has been largely affected by this pandemic and it is for this reason that we opted to partner FKF in supporting our players,” he said.
On his part, Mwendwa thanked the gaming firm for the kind gesture and urged other stakeholders to follow suit for the betterment of those in lower leagues.
“I want to thank you for this kind gesture towards KPL and NSL clubs,” he stated.
“As a Federation, we remain committed to exploring measures that cushion our players, right from the grassroots to the top tier leagues, during this time when football has been largely affected,” he added.
The two captains also hailed the move terming it as timely.
“Thank for this kind gesture towards us,” Muguna said.
