KPL makes U-turn on Zoo’s Kericho Green Stadium

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Limited has reversed its initial directive allowing top flight newbies Zoo Kericho FC to host their matches at their own backyard, the Kericho Green Stadium.

The Stadium which only recently underwent a face-lift had been confirmed as a facility capable of hosting high profile football matches with the league management integrating it in their KPL opening round venues.

The KPL had, in their latest post on their official website, indicated Zoo would host Posta Rangers in Kericho but after failing subsequent inspection, League and Competitions Administrator Michael Kirwa confirmed the tie has been moved to Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

The clash which was scheduled to be played on Saturday has been postponed to a day later to pave way for arguably the tie of the round – titleholders Tusker versus second-tier champions Nzoia United – which will also be staged at the same venue on that day.

The league administration confirmed four other venues for the weekend where Bandari will entertain debutants Nakumatt FC at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.

Sunday will see Mathare United clash with Thika United, and newbies Kariobangi Sharks face a potential baptism of fire against 2017 Super Cup winners Gor Mahia in a double header at Thika County Stadium, as Sony Sugar welcome Chemelil Sugar at the Awendo Green Stadium.

The match between AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars has been postponed as the Military Men are away in Egypt for their opening leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round against Smouha SC.

The pending cases of Muhoroni Youth, Sofapaka FC, Vihiga United and KCB mean Kakamega Homeboyz and Western Stima will not be in action with their opponents for the weekend marked ‘X’ and ‘Y’.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday, March 11: Tusker v Nzoia United (Afraha Stadium), Bandari v Nakumatt (Mbaraki Sports Club),

Sunday, March 12: Mathare United v Thika United (Thika Stadium), Kariobangi Sharks v Gor Mahia (Thika Stadium), Sony Sugar v Chemelil Sugar (Awendo Green Stadium) Zoo Kericho v Posta Rangers (Afraha Stadium).

*Kakamega Homeboyz v Team Y, AFC Leopards v Ulinzi Stars, Western Stima v Team X – postponed