Offside rule set for change ahead of FKF Premier League kickoff
By Joel Sang, August 22, 2023Football Kenya Federation referees manager Sylvestre Kirwa has explained why the offside rule is set for change ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
The officials set to officiate the new season will undergo pre-season training that will include the changes in rules. The referees – including 114 match officials and 45 match commissioners – have already started the pre-season training sessions.
Changes
“Some of the changes we should anticipate relate to the offside law. Yearly, we encounter issues with this law, and FIFA is actively working to enhance its clarity and simplicity.
“This aims to make it more accessible for referees to interpret the modifications in the fundamental offside rule,” Kirwa explained.
The officials in the training camp, drawn from the FKF Premier League and the FKF Women’s Premier League, will also undergo Physical Endurance Test (PET) training at Kasarani Stadium.
They have already undergone a series of endurance and agility exercises to evaluate their physical capabilities, as well as medical assessments.
Apart from Kirwa, Stephen Oduor, Dorcas Moraa, Moses Osano, and Tabitha Njoroge are the other officials in charge of the pre-season training for the referees.
Referees who will officiate the National Super League (NSL) will start their PET training on Thursday, August 24, 2023, while the FKF Division One match officials will have their training begin on Sunday, August 27.
Premier League campaign
The Premier League will begin with much focus on Gor Mahia‘s title defense campaign and Tusker, who will hope to wrestle the title back from K’Ogalo and Shabana.
After a trail-blazing campaign in the second division, Shabana’s campaign will attract keen interest from their own fans as well as those of the opposing camps.
Murang’a Seal, who are set to make their debut appearance in the top flight, is another side that will be closely monitored.