NAIROBI, Kenya, January 2 – Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has approved a proposal that will allow clubs to field up to five foreigners during the match, unlike before where the rule permitted them to only field a maximum of three in the starting line up.
According to KPL website, the rule that is known as the 6+5, is destined to take effect come the start of the 2014 league season early February.
“We are conscience of the fact that local talent needs to be nurtured but bringing in foreigners will increase competition and force our home players to up their game,” KPL boss Jack Oguda, said on Thursday while defending the widespread believe that this development could hamper the opportunity for home-grown talent to come through the ranks.
“Clubs will also have to be sure of the foreign legion before employing the players, because acquiring them means spending heftily.”
Bigwigs Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka and Tusker are some of the teams that are already utilizing the new rule.
League champions, K’Ogalo, have already acquired the services of Ugandan full-back Godfrey Walusimbi and midfielder Geoffrey”Baba” Kizito.
Gor are also targeting Zambian winger Julius Situmbeko.
Leopards on the other hand, have signed Ugandan midfielder Musa Mudde and are said to be keeping an eye on other foreigners including Nigerian forward Ikka Uzoremeke and Ugandan midfielder Aziz Kemba.
Sofapaka have brought in Burundian duo, striker Abdul Razak Fiston, who joins the 2009 champions on a two-year deal from Rwanda club, Rayon Sport and defender Celestin Habonimana who transfers from reigning Cecafa club champions Vital ‘O.
