Tusker FC, K’Ogalo’s biggest challengers and rivals in the last decade came in second with big spenders Police FC finishing third in what was a dramatic FKFPL season. The title was not decided until the last day of the season, highlighting how dramatic the campaign had been with the pendulum swinging from one extreme to another.A big congratulations to Elvis “Machapo” Rupia, for taking home the golden boot with 28 goals. Gor Mahia prodigy Benson Omala, who led the scoring chart for the better part of the season, scored two goals less to finish second. Magical Rupia wins 22/23 Golden Boot, ending all-time top scorer in a single season debateThe season started late in November 2022 after FIFA, the world’s football governing body, lifted a ban it had imposed on Kenya over government interference. From then onwards, it was a race against time to conclude it ahead of June 30, 2023 CAF, the Confederation of African Football, deadline. With no broadcast partner, no title sponsor, and no money to pay referees, the league was bound to initially struggle with several challenges cropping up. Clubs with no financial partners were hardest hit. Vihiga Bullets FC, who were relegated, twice dished out walkers, and on countless occasions appealed for assistance from the public to enable them return from away games.FKF set to sign broadcast deal with Azam TVAlleged cases of match-fixing were rampant, with individuals arrested, but the league weathered the storm. Match-fixing suspects released on Ksh 300,000 bailAfter 25 years of top flight football, one of the country’s iconic clubs, Mathare United was relegated. For the Slum Boys, it had been coming, after a couple of seasons of close shaves. Their biggest problem was lack of finances. Kakamega Homeboyz stuns Gor Mahia at Kasarani as Mathare United suffer relegationWazito FC was such a story. From being the moneybags under their previous owner, businessman Ricardo Badoer, to being sold to a faceless, businessman and relocating to Muhoroni, under the management of former Muhoroni Youth FC owner Moses Adagala, and escaping automatic relegation by a whisker, Wazito have been the real survivors. To preserve their FKFPL status, they will face off with either Migori Youth FC or Mara United in the relegation playoff.On the field of play, some memorable games were served. For the first time in seven years AFC Leopards beat their arch rivals Gor Mahia in a well attended Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7336977##The game attracted top government officials and dignitaries including President William Ruto.After a slow start to the season, changing coaches with just a few games played, Police FC, having invested heavily in their squad discovered their mojo, but it was late in the day to challenge for honors.A third place finish for them may be a disappointment, but is plausible. In a nutshell, 2022-23 FKFPL season proved once again how resilient Kenyan football is. Just when you write it off, it refuses to die.More than anything else, the second leg Mashemeji Derby, which Tanzanian giant pay television station, Azam TV acquired media rights, and Gor Mahia winning the league after two seasons in the cold, injected life into the league.A better future is promised. What to be done is known to almost all. Only time will tell.
