Tusker, Ulinzi Stars to fly Kenya’s flag in continental assignments
Tusker FC and Ulinzi Stars will represent Kenya in next year’s continental assignments, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed.
Tusker will fly the country’s flag in the prestigious Caf Africa Champions League while Ulinzi will compete in the Caf Confederation Cup, this is according to FKF Communications Manager Barry Otieno.
“We have already sent out letters to these two clubs informing them of their roles. We wish them well,” Mr Otieno said.
Tusker qualified to compete in the Champions League after winning the Kenyan Premier League title this year. The brewers also clinched the GOtv Shield this season, an achievement that guarantees the team participation in the Confederation Cup.
However, with the Confederation of African Football rules barring a club from competing in two of its competitions in the same year, FKF has, according to Otieno, advanced the opportunity to Ulinzi Stars, which lost to Tusker in the GOtv Shield final.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
This communique dispels theories suggesting that Gor Mahia, who finished second in the league this year, will be the Confederation Cup representatives.
“In any case” Otieno confirmed, “Ulinzi and Tusker are the only clubs cleared to compete on the continental front, having met all the requirements set by CAF on club licensing.”
In a related development, Tusker and Ulinzi have announced plans to commence early preps ahead of these continental assignments.
Tusker FC CEO Charles Obiny confirmed the decision was due to the lucrative financial incentives available in the tournaments.
Both Tusker and Ulinzi will earn atleast Sh30 million if they win their first two fixtures in either competition, and upto Sh150 million for becoming African champions.
