KPL U20 tournament to kick off April 17
The Kenya Premier League tournament for players under 20 will resume this year after a three year hiatus.
This year, the tournament, will be held on all three school holidays (April, August and December), and the winning team in each edition will take home a Sh500, 000 cash prize.
The first edition will take place between April 17-30, and it will involve all 16 teams currently featuring in the top flight league.Sportpesa are sponsoring the tournament. KPL Chairman Ambrose Rachier thanked Sportpesa for helping raise the standards of football.
“I thank SportPesa for putting their faith in us, and we expect to have a fortnight of thrilling and entertaining football. This is a very important tournament because it gives us a glimpse of the football talent that we have in the country. I hope that this will ultimately work towards improving the general standards of football in the country.”said Rachier.
This tournament was previously called the Under 19 championship, and KPL CEO Jack Oguda explained that they have raised the age limit in order to align themselves with most CAF competitions.
“There is already a national Under 20 side, and we want to support that team. We are insisting on a lot of documentation for the youngsters in order to curb cases of age cheating. The players will also undergo medical tests each to ascertain their real age before the beginning of the tournament,” he said to the Nation.
The tournament has in the past produced players like Michael Olunga. Its an opportunity for fans to get a first hand look at the future generation. Western Stima are the defending champions, having won in 2013.
Groups
Group A: Gor Mahia, Western Stima, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka
Group B: Posta Rangers, Tusker, Mathare United, Chemelil Sugar
Group C: Ulinzi Stars, Sony Sugar, Ushuru, Bandari
Group D: Muhoroni Youth, Kakamega Homeboyz, Thika United, Nairobi City Stars
