Bandari’s Okere says delayed KPL kick-off hurting Kenyan football

Speaking after Bandari’s 5-0 friendly victory over Malindi-based County League side L-15 FC at Mbaraki Sports Ground on Thursday, Okere called for an urgent solution to the impasse, saying clubs and players are bearing the brunt of the prolonged uncertainty.

Ongoing court cases have thrown the new season kickoff into disarray as Kariobangi Sharks challenge the Sports Disputes Tribunal decision that upheld FKF’s 2025 promotion and relegation rules, which resulted in Sharks being automatically relegated from the top flight.

“As coach, our work is to get the players ready, but our plea is for whatever is happening outside the field to get a solution because, by the end of the day, it is the clubs and players who are affected, and more so the psychological distress,” said Okere.

The Bandari coach also warned that the league stalemate could have an impact on the Harambee Stars ahead of their upcoming qualifiers, with locally based players lacking competitive matches.

“You have seen the call-up of players to camp for the qualifiers, but we haven't played any matches, so it's not good for now. We have to sit and come up with a solution,” said Okere.

Bandari currently have one player, new signing Lawrence Okoth Ouma, in the Harambee Stars squad, with Okere hoping the club can produce more national team players.

“We are delighted that we have a player called up for national team duties, but we have had other players in the Stars squad like Beja Nyamawi. We are a big team, which means we have to be having more call-ups. We will put structures in place and work towards that,” he added.

The Dockers were among the most active clubs during the recent transfer window, signing 12 players while releasing 18.

Among their new recruits are Keith Imbali from Shabana, Alex Kipruto from Talanta FC, Derrick Nsibambi from Uganda’s KCCA FC, Lawrence Okoth Ouma from Finnish side SJK Seinäjoki, and Kevin Ouma.

Okere also praised the Bandari management for investing in modern training methods and technology as the club seeks to improve its performance.

“Bandari FC management has invested much in us. They have given us everything we have wanted. We have mechanisms in video analysis, tracking vests and also on the side of nutrition—everything is covered,” said Okere.

Bandari continued their preparations for the new season with a commanding 5-0 victory over L-15 FC.

For L-15, the friendly match was another opportunity to test themselves against higher-level opposition as they work towards their ambitions of playing in the top leagues.

Assistant coach Billy Mwangemi said the team is using such matches to learn and improve.

“We played last against Mombasa United and we learned, and today against Bandari FC we have implemented some of the things. I am happy we are learning the hard way,” said Mwangemi.