NAIROBI, Kenya, September 12- The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) will mark another milestone this weekend with leaders Gor Mahia facing defending champions Tusker in a top of the bill tie that broadcast live on High Definition (HD).
This will mark the first ever time a football match in East Africa will be aired in the cutting edge technology that brings crystal clear images, crisp audio and surround sound capabilities to viewers tuning in to watch the game on SuperSport.
In a statement released by the pay-television service providers on Thursday, SuperSport parent firm, MultiChoice regional director for East Africa, Stephen Isaboke, said the airing of the match on HD was in line with their mission to provide the best for fans of local football.
“This reinforces the promise of giving the best in sporting experience to the fans. HD is brighter, clearer and comes close to the real thing. Having our own league in HD illustrates our intent of always keeping up with the dynamic world of technology,” Isaboke noted.
K’Ogalo welcome Tusker at City Stadium with the game allowed to be played at Gor’s citadel following concerns the venue was inadequate to guarantee security owing to the large number of fans expected to cheer on the league leaders.
It comes after a joint KPL and Football Kenya Federation ruled on Thursday to award Gor three points following their abandoned game in Awendo against Sony Sugar that sees them open a 12 point gap over the defending champion ahead of the match in a further boost to their titlechase.
The same body gave Sony Sugar 72 hours to appeal the ruling following a meeting to unlock the impasse between the two management bodies.
SuperSport general manager for East Africa, Auka Gacheo, is relishing the prospect of a first KPL match in full HD.
“It’s exciting times indeed for Kenyan sport: the KPL live in superb HD. Coming shortly after the launch of our new studio facilities, which has enabled Simba Super Soccer to now be live, shows our commitment to Kenya and the entire East Africa region.
“It’s also a clear indication of the strides Kenyan league football has taken and the great property they’ve created,” he added.
KPL CEO, Jack Oguda, also welcomed the fresh milestone for a league that has been on an upward trajectory since 2006 when the league management firm was inaugurated.
“As KPL we are most delighted that our efforts of administrating a league worthy to be mentioned with the best there is are being recognised.
“Through SuperSport’s drive and commitment to be at the cutting edge of technology, football fans at home and across the continent will now enjoy our beautiful game in the most modern way just like they do the Uefa Champions League, Barclays Premier League and the Spanish La Liga,” he noted on the match that will be broadcast on SuperSport 2 HD for those with decoders compatible with the service and SuperSport 9 East for other viewers.
Elsewhere in the KPL, the match between Bandari and Ulinzi Stars scheduled for Saturday has been pushed to Sunday at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
Action starts on Friday with a televised double header pitting 2008 champions Mathare United and the 2006 titleholders Sony Sugar with both former giants aiming to unshackle themselves from threat of relegation.
Nairobi City Stars and KCB will then take the stage at Nyayo National Stadium with AFC Leopards clashing against Chemelil in another live game from the Mumias Complex in the highlight Saturday fixture.
Thika United welcome Sofapaka also on Saturday before Karuturi Sports host Kakamega Homeboyz to wrap the Sunday programme.
Fixtures
Friday
Mathare United vs Sony Sugar (Nyayo)
City Stars vs KCB (Nyayo)
Saturday
AFC Leopards vs Chemelil Sugar (Mumias)
Western Stima vs Muhoroni Youth (Bukhungu)
Thika United vs Sofapaka (Thika)
Sunday
Bandari vs Ulinzi Stars (Mbaraki)
Karuturi Sports vs Homeboyz (Karuturi)
Gor Mahia vs Tusker (City)