Blog: Steps that can lift Division one

The FKF division one has grown into an exciting and competitive league that is nice to watch.

So far, the title race in both zones have lived up to their billing, which is fantastic, with the competitive nature of the teams great to see.

Even at the bottom of the table, bar one or two teams, there is competition for places.

Being the first season where we have had these two zones, it means that things will get better with time, with experience.

However, to make it a better league, I feel that there are some things that have to be sorted out.

Sponsorship

There has to be a way of ensuring that each club can attend all the matches during the season.

If it means that the league has sponsorship to ensure it, then so be it.

We all know that clubs just can't cater for themselves financially and have no means of making cash.

I guess it is unfair to have other teams get walkovers and then others getting beat by the same team that has handed points to others. It brings down the competitiveness of the league.

Also, for some teams not to play over half their matches is not feasible and brings down the league a level.

Officiating

It is fair to say that the officiating in the lower divisions is appalling.

Every week, there is a team complaining about a decision gone wrong. Either the referees are biased or have made too many wrong decisions.

Going away from home is unbearable in the lower divisions.

Something has to be done.

My solution is simple.. We have to ensure that the match officials are not from the region of the home team. If referees come from a different area to both sides, then such incidences will reduce.

One league

I know that this is in the pipeline, but until it is done, there is no way the league will improve.

We must have one unified league where the strongest teams in other regions face each other to decide the supreme Kenyan winner.

It must be like a second tier Tusker Premier League.

Because teams that come out of this division actually end up in the Premier League, they must prove themselves nationally.

Otherwise, what we have is regional leagues, which does not bode well for the complete growth of football in thew lower levels.

Must pass

If the above can pass, then I am sure that the FKF division one, can become a huge success and maybe even rival the premier league.