Nzoia Sugar FC hopes of reclaiming their spot at the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) have received a major boost after the parent company pledged to inject financial support into the team. The club has been struggling under heavy financial burden after Nzoia Sugar Company withdrew the financial support last year citing diminishing sales and the bleak future the industry was facing.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsHowever, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after the company’s new management pledged to fully embrace the team as a way of developing football in the region.The company has since been leased to the Rai family, who are famed for successfully running a multi-billion sugar business empire over the years. In a message to the club and its stakeholders prior to the league match against Mombasa United on Saturday, 14 Tejveer Rai, the Managing Director of Nzoia Sugar 2025 assured the club of the company’s support.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977560##“I am honored to announce that Nzoia Sugar Company 2025 has entered into a strategic partnership with Nzoia FC. This partnership marks a fresh commitment to the growth of football in Bungoma County and strengthening one of Kenya’s most respected community clubs,” he said. Tejveer indicated that the company will collaborate with the club to not only offer financial support, but also the leadership to steer the outfit to greater heights.“In this partnership, we are stepping in to support Nzoia FC with resources, structure and long term vision that it needs to thrive.Nzoia Sugar Company 2025 will support the club’s technical and administrative structures, player welfare and a broader development system. Together with the club’s leadership, we aim to create a professional environment where players are natured,” he stated.FKF proposes return of 16-team KPL in a raft of league structure changesTejveer, who is an avid sportsman and an active rally driver, said that the company is keen on restoring the club’s glory.“We see this partnership as part of our wider responsibility to the people of this region. We want the club to become a source of pride because of how it represents our values and our identity.”Kenya U20 forward defers studies at Kenyatta University after landing dealHowever, Tejveer, who is also the son of Jaswant Rai, the Rai Group Chairman insisted that the company is not assuming ownership of the club.“This is not a takeover, it is a shared commitment based on mutual respect and a clear goal of building a strong, stable and competitive club,” he said.Former AFC Leopards custodian planning for retirement with Ksh100,000 businessNzoia Sugar FC Chairman Evance Kadenge affirmed Tejveer’s message and welcomed the company’s support, even as he foresees brighter days for the club.“This will be very helpful because since the company withdrew sponsorship in October 2024. We have been struggling and fundraising to honor matches. With their support, we will reach greater heights,” Kadenge told Mozzart Sport.Kadenge went further to reveal the intrigues that won the support of the company.“Lately, there were people who wanted to support the club financially to finish the league then thereafter buy it. When I conveyed the message to the management, they refused and instead, pledged to support us,” he noted.The Sugar Millers have had to put up with player exodus in the last two seasons which engineered their relegation to the second tier. “We have been lacking money to hire an ambulance on match days. We have also had difficulties in honoring away matches. We have had to travel under harsh conditions especially for coastal matches,” Kadenge said.With the company’s support, Kadenge believes that their return to the top-flight is unstoppable. “Our target is to get back to the top-tier. Even if they offer little financial help, as long as it is reliable and consistent, we will make a return to the FKF Premier League,” he added.Kenya Police league hero dedicates win to parentsNzoia retained their NSL status after their 1-0 win over Mombasa United over the weekend. The Peter Gin coached side will be away to Migori Youth on Saturday, 21 June for the final match of the season.
