NAIROBI, Kenya, August 21- The Kenyan Premier League will henceforth be known as Tusker Premier League (TSL) after East Africa Breweries entered a Sh170m three-year sponsorship deal with the domestic topflight competition.
KPL CEO Jack Oguda confirmed the agreement will take effect immediately as the league that was revamped in 2008 finally landed the most lucrative deal in Kenyan football history.
“The league generates much coverage and this deal means we must work harder to professionalise the club’s management.
“We will ensure the players are well paid and coaches and technical staff are well trained for the league to deliver on its commitment to the sponsors,” Oguda told CapitalSport.
He added the official launch would be announced soon as he also pledged officiating standards that have come under increased scrutiny in the 16-team league would also be improved.
“With the sponsor in place, we must ensure that the matches and results reflect what happens on the pitch.
“This will be achieved through various training programs for our local referees that will be done in partnership with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF),” Oguda explained in light of reports of some clubs were being favoured over others.
He clarified that the new changes will be seen immediately as they look forward to bring in more confidence in the league that has considerably grown over the years.
“We are currently working on a composite logo that will define the new look but beginning this weekend, we are likely to see the pitch branding of the new sponsors.
“It’s a deal that will see us match up with the rest of the leagues in the continent as we embark on making the sport more lucrative for the many young talents in our country,” stressed Oguda.
EABL who shelled out Sh110m to national team Harambee Stars last year, are the parent sponsors of league titleholders, Tusker FC and also sponsor the Tanzania national team, Taifa Stars as well as the Uganda Super League.
This is a major boost for the league after the four year 13.5million USD broadcasting deal with satellite television provider SuperSport agreed upon in 2008 that came with the benefits of financing the payment of referees’ allowances and funding club activities.
