KCB FC head coach Robert Matano has condemned the state of Kenyan football after playing their opening game of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season, which was delayed for over a month.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe veteran tactician has joined a growing list of football stakeholders expressing frustration with the persistent wrangles that have continued to disrupt the local game, with the delayed start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season providing the latest flashpoint.The new campaign was pushed back by several weeks after the promotion/relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United disrupted the league's planned start.Government issues update on Moi Stadium Kisumu reconstruction [PHOTOS]The decisive encounter, which determined the final composition of the top flight, was eventually scheduled for Thursday, 1 and Tuesday, 6 October, further prolonging the wait for the new season.The delay came against the backdrop of divisions within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), including disagreements among members of its National Executive Council (NEC).Speaking to the press after KCB opened their league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Nairobi United, Matano questioned how football administrators had allowed the situation to reach such a point.##NAJAVA_MECA_10028711##“We have had the kickoff delayed for several weeks. We were not even sure that this game was going to take place.“It should not be that way, especially because all the people who have put us in this place come from footballing backgrounds and know that the game is about fun and not war,” said Matano.The former Tusker FC coach argued that football leadership should be measured by its ability to create opportunities, protect livelihoods and develop the sport rather than fuel disputes that leave players and other stakeholders uncertain about their future.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventMatano warned that prolonged disruptions to the football calendar have consequences beyond the boardroom, particularly for players, coaches and other professionals whose income depends on the game being played.“When someone holds those high offices, they are there to make people happy. This is a big industry. If you deny people the opportunity to play, you are killing their livelihood.“I personally grew up in football, and the things happening are not good. We need to be patriotic. We are Kenyans. We should not think about our personal interests but rather how to grow the game,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027794##The 62-year-old tactician also challenged football administrators at both club and federation level to consider the legacy they are creating, warning that the current state of affairs risks leaving a negative mark on Kenyan football.“History is made by the right people. Unfortunately, this is also history, but bad history because of the things happening,” he said.Matano's remarks add to mounting concerns over the governance of Kenyan football, with the delayed league kick-off highlighting the wider impact of administrative disagreements on the sport.
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