As 2023 comes to a close, Mozzart Sport takes a look at key happenings of the year in the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL)It was a challenging year for most of the club in different ways. Some struggled on the pitch, some had management struggles while others had manpower and financial challenges.##NAJAVA_MECA_7769417##League Broadcast DealArguably the biggest happening of the year was the inking of the seven-year deal with Azam TV worth around KES 145 million per year. This resulted in Kenyan football returning to TV after two years in the dark. It was followed by a Free-to-Air deal signed with national broadcaster KBC worth KES 240 million per year, giving clubs the much-needed financial boost.”We have signed a seven-year deal with Azam, and I want to thank them for agreeing to return into the Kenyan league. The deal is worth 1 million USD (KES 145,400,000), and it will increase by 100,000 USD (just over KES. 14 million) every year. I believe Kenyan football is heading in the right direction, and things will get better,” FKF president Nick Mwendwa said during the unveiling of the deal.Gor Mahia Reclaims League TitleAfter missing out on the league title previously, Gor Mahia clinched the 2022-23 title on the final day of the campaign after amassing a total of 70 points compared to Tusker FC’s 69. It’s the club’s record-extending 20th title.Electrifying Golden Boot RaceThe 2022-23 season’s golden boot race was sensational. Kenya Police FC’s Elvis Rupia came from behind to pip Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala to bag the boot, with the pair scoring 27 and 26 goals, respectively. Although records remain scanty, Rupia now with Singida of Tanzania is recorded the highest scorer in a season in a single Kenya’s top flight season.Shabana and Murang’a Seal FC’s ImpactThe two clubs promoted to the top tier at the end of the 2022-23 season, Shabana and Murang’a Seal FC, brought much-needed excitement to the league. Shabana witnessed the biggest match attendance, while Murang’a was sensational on social media. However, both teams need to improve their performance in the second leg with Shabana in particular needing to up their display as they are just above the drop zone.Mathare United Relegated, End of Wazito FCMathare United finally dropped to the second tier after finishing second from the bottom in the 2022-23 season. In the same year, Wazito closed shop after its name was switched to Muhoroni Youth FC following a change in ownership. Once regarded as the moneybags of Kenyan football, Wazito came flirted an exited in a huffGor Mahia, AFC Leopards FIFA CasesThe two teams, becoming notorious for breach of contracts, found themselves in hot water again. Gor was locked out of CAF Champions League over a case involving former players Yangayay Sando Sando, Jules Ulimwengu, and Adama Keita. AFC Leopards were ordered to pay former coach Patrick Aussems over KES 20 million for a breach.Coaches’ Revolving DoorMost clubs switched coaches in 2023. Only Gor Mahia, Posta Rangers, Bidco United, Kariobangi Sharks, Muhoroni Youth, Tusker FC, and FC Talanta maintained their coaches. Others, like Kenya Police FC, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka, Murang’a Seal, and Bandari, changed coaches more than once in a bid to get desired results.Harambee Stars highs and lows of 2023
