By ROBIN TOSKIN
Rather than have the big-eared Kenyan Premier League trophy, and medals, rest at Kinungi, just in case either Ulinzi Stars or Gor Mahia wins the title, KPL chiefs will have two cups, one at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru and another in the capital, Nairobi.
KPL principal sponsors Supersport will televise the Ulinzi Stars versus Karuturi Sports, but the giant pay TV channel will beam live intermittently proceedings at either City or Nyayo Stadium where Gor Mahia will be squaring it out with Nairobi City Stars. If Ulinzi Stars, with 56 points, beat Karuturi they will be champions irrespective of Gor Mahia's (55 points) outcome. KPL Operations and Logistics Officer Frank Okoth told FeverPitch all arrangements are in place to have both sets of fans, and teams, to have something to look at on Sunday.
"The interest is sky-high. KPL will ensure there is a cup at each venue and accompanying medals," Okoth said.
Okoth added: "The fans have been fantastic all season and it is a duty for us at KPL to provide for their interest also. Supersport, too, have confirmed they will make it possible to for fans in Nakuru to watch proceedings in Nairobi."
The stage could set for a grandstand finish to the KPL season that has exceeded expectations and fans following the performance of their teams unlike in past seasons.
Although KPL have given assurances there will be a trophy at Afraha and Nairobi the question of which one will be the genuine trophy.
Gor Mahia fans, some of who have called FeverPitch to ask the question said they want the real trophy in Nairobi.
"We have the momentum with us (Gor). Ulinzi were at some point nine points clear now we have them in sight. Let KPL take the replica to Nakuru," the fan by the name Ja'Uyoma said.
But, the KPL Operations and Logistics Officer, clarified that there will be no replica.
similar trophy
"Our supplier has assured us there is a similar trophy which will have past winners engraved on it. So the question of a replica should not arise," Okoth said.
Despite the assurances the fans insisted the old one is the original one which could call for the suppliers, Sports Station, to polish both of them to disguise.
The main actors, Ulinzi Stars coach Benjamin Nyangweso and Zedekiah Otieno have taken different approaches to the build up.
Nyangweso said after his advantage was reduced by Red Berets that: "We will give our all on the final day and see what comes out of it."
Gor's Otieno said: "Whatever happens it will be a bonus and so we are not under pressure to win as we have already exceeded our expectations."
"But where will the original trophy be?" Otieno joked when asked if is interested.
Source: The Standard | Online Edition
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