Abud Omar Breaks Silence as Kenyan Premier League Standoff Deepens

Tusker FC captain Abud Omar has spoken out over the latest uncertainty surrounding Kenyan football, expressing frustration after another delay to the start of the Kenyan Premier League season.

The experienced defender says the situation reflects a worrying decline in the standards of the domestic game compared with where the league stood about a decade ago.

Omar recalled a period when the Kenyan Premier League was regarded as one of the stronger competitions on the continent, attributing much of that progress to improved administration and professional standards.

“Ten years ago, the Kenyan Premier League was among the better leagues in Africa. We were ranked around the top 20 on the continent, and a big part of that was proper management and the professional standards that came with SuperSport,” he said.

He argued that Kenya has since been overtaken by neighbouring countries that have invested more heavily in football infrastructure, administration and professionalism.

The latest postponement has particularly concerned Omar because Kenyan clubs and players face important continental and international assignments despite having limited competitive football.

“I’ve just woken up to the news that the league has been cancelled again, and honestly, it’s so frustrating,” the Tusker captain said.

He questioned how Kenyan players can be expected to compete effectively at continental and international level without a consistent domestic competition to maintain match fitness and sharpness.

The uncertainty comes at a critical time for Kenyan football, with the country preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

For Omar, the issue extends beyond individual fixtures or a delayed league campaign. He believes the continued disruptions point to the need for stronger structures and a more professionally organised domestic competition.

“With Kenya preparing to co-host AFCON next year, this is really worrying. We need to get serious about our football,” he said.

“Our players, clubs and fans deserve a properly organised, professional and competitive league. This is not just about today’s fixtures. It’s about the future of Kenyan football.”