The much-anticipated 2024–25 FKF Premier League season kicked off over the weekend, offering plenty of lessons to take home.

Aside from defending champions Gor Mahia and Kenya Police FC, who are representing the country in the CAF Interclubs, all other teams were in action.

Four of the seven fixtures resulted in wins, while three ended in draws.

AFC Leopards were the biggest winners, thumping newly promoted Mathare United 4-0, while Tusker FC and Murang’a Seal FC secured narrow 1-0 victories over Sofapaka FC and Ulinzi Stars, respectively.

Four matches were scheduled for live television broadcast; however, AFC Leopards fans were disappointed as their game against Mathare United was switched off at the eleventh hour.

Poor Turnout

It was evident that much still needs to be done to attract fans to the stadiums.

As expected, Leopards fans turned out in large numbers at Dandora Stadium to witness their team’s strong start to the season.

Shabana fans were equally enthusiastic, thronging Thika Stadium to cheer their side against Bidco United in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

However, matches involving corporate clubs—Tusker FC, Posta Rangers, Bandari FC, Ulinzi Stars, and KCB FC—were poorly attended, underscoring the need for better fan engagement or a total paradigm shift in club football in the country.

League Management

While individual clubs must market their fixtures, the FKF Premier League management also needs to enhance its efforts in packaging, branding, and marketing the top-tier league. The disappointing turnout at some matches highlights a broader issue that the league management must address.

Having both pay-TV and free-to-air television partners is a step in the right direction, but more must be done to elevate the league’s profile.

The absence of the FKF Shield didn’t help matters, giving the new season a somewhat lackluster start.

Talks of the league reverting to an independent management body are long overdue, and perhaps it is time to give this serious consideration.

CAF Interclubs

The splendid performances of Gor Mahia FC and Kenya Police FC in their respective continental assignments were a highlight of the weekend, showing that the FKF Premier League has potential.

K’Ogalo overcame a 1-0 first-leg defeat to El Merriekh Bentiu in Juba. They beat the South Sudanese 5-1 in the return match, progressing to the first round of the CAF Champions League, where they will face Al Ahly SC of Egypt.

Police FC saved the best for last, edging out Ethiopian Bunna 1-0 in Addis Ababa after a goalless first leg in Nairobi. The Law Enforcers advance to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.