After slightly over one month break, the new 2021/2022 Football Kenya Federation Premier League is back. 33 days later, the top flight league resumes with a lot of promise for most of the corporate and privately owned teams but a lot of gloom for community clubs.Joining the top tier to rub shoulders with the big boys for the first time ever in their history are FC Talanta, Vihiga Bullets and Kenya Police, all who earned promotion from the National Super League. Ahead of the new season, we analyze some of the scenarios that are likely to play out during the course of the campaign.Tusker and depthThe world over, keeping things fresh in a football team is a major weapon to have in your arsenal. In the upcoming season, no team has understood the assignment better than 12 time Kenyan champions Tusker. After ending Gor Mahia’s four year dominance on the local scene by clinching the 2020/2021 title, the Brewers went on a massive transfer spree, roping in over ten new players.OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION:We are glad to announce that we have signed youngster Rodgers Ouma from Western Stima.Welcome to the CHAMP12NS, Rogers. #KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/cSJlLeoAPz— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 16, 2021 They might not play the most brilliant football. They might not play like champions most of the time but eventually their squad depth will, more times than not, bail them out of tricky situations during the season. Example: Against Gor Mahia in their recent Super Cup clash, head coach Robert Matano still had the luxury of bringing on Humprey Mieno, Jackson Macharia, Daniel Sakari to the fold with fifteen minutes to play.It is that luxury of having different pieces to throw at the jigsaw that will carry Tusker through the season. Probably even to another title.Things you love to see.NDOVU NI KUU!#KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/Iagl4Eslcp— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 22, 2021 Stability to benefit Bandari, KCB, WazitoIf everything remains as it is right now, last season’s runners up KCB, third placed Bandari and moneybags Wazito should be the teams threatening to win the league if the normal heavyweights rest on their laurels.We begin our title chase against @MathareUtd pic.twitter.com/LEZANddZsr— Bandari Football Club (@BandariOfficial) September 25, 2021 Despite only losing goalkeeper John Okoth, Zedekiah Otieno’s KCB have maintained their entire squad. They have gone ahead to add James Mazembe – last season’s top assisting player – to their ranks as they seek going one step better than their second placed finished.Wazito have probably been the most impressive when it signings made. Cliff Nyakeya, Tyson Otieno, Zamu Adisa, James Kinyanjui highlight a quartet that are expected to push some extra momentum in Francis Kimanzi’s plans of making Wazito a big team.Wazito announce eighth signingTicking time bomb at community clubsWhile corporate clubs are enjoying some stability, the opposite is true for community owned clubs, particularly Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. In the currently open transfer window, just the fact that players have been declining to join the two household names due to mismanagement reflects poorly of what used to be ‘dream’ destinations for players.Daunting task awaits at Kariobangi SharksA shift seems to be playing at Kariobangi Sharks. After the mass exodus of their key players in Erick Kapaito, Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, James Mazembe, Peter Lwasa among others, the William Muluya coached side has shifted to young players in their transfer strategy. Two things could play out here; complete fail or complete success to be emulated in the future.✍🏿| Eric Mmata is the latest Sharkman to arrive.🗞️| The bully forward joins from NSL side Mt.Kenya United(Dandora Love FC)#WeAreSharks #BetwaySharks pic.twitter.com/JierMw8YD1— Kariobangi Sharks FC (@k_sharksfc) September 24, 2021 The only problem for Sharks is the top flight inexperience their boys have. For now, overcoming that challenge and getting them ready to compete will be the biggest challenge for the team that finished in position five last season.Financial constraintsAt least last season, teams had slightly over KSh. 800,000 in terms of monthly grants from league sponsorships and grants from broadcasters. While it is not clear how much the teams will get this season after the league sponsor terminated their contract, it remains to be seen how teams will fair in the season without anywhere to turn to.Previous experience has not painted a positive picture, but in one way or another, teams have always found a way to rise from the ashes.Until then, we go again.
