Nzoia Sugar FC Chairman Evans Kadenge has lauded the team’s playing unit for exercising patience and resilience when the National Super League side recorded tough economic days throughout last season.

The Sugar Millers were relegated to the NSL the previous campaign owing to grave financial constraints that plunged the team into turmoil in 2023.

Speaking to People Sport on Friday, July 25, 2025, Kadenge extended his gratitude to a section of the players who chose to remain with the team amid cash crunch times at Sudi Stadium for nearly three years.

The dire situation at Nzoia forced the departure of the club’s most experienced and reliable players in search of greener pastures elsewhere in the Kenyan Premier League.

However, after enduring the particular tough period, Kadenge has come out to praise the players who remained behind to help the team remain afloat.

The team’s main sponsor by then, Nzoia Sugar Company, had bolted out of the sponsorship deal, leaving the club’s management grappling with player salary arrears, logistics expenses, and the general operation of the outfit due to a funds shortage.

Financial crisis

”It was not easy at all; these players were resilient enough to remain behind when everything went wrong. Some had accrued their rent arrears because the little bonuses we were giving them were just for food and other small items. I would like to express my gratitude to them for their patience even when we had no money to pay them,” Kadenge said.

According to Kadenge, things could work out for the better at the Sudi-based club following the promise made by the new Nzoia Sugar Company 2025.

Kadende, son of the late Kenya football legend Joe Kadenge, said it will be easy for the players and staff, as the sugar milling firm will help the team financially next season.

“They promised to walk with us starting next season and I believe if they do, things will work out better,’’ Kadenge noted.

Nzoia Sugar FC relied on donations from local leaders and supporters for survival. Despite the challenges, the Sugar Millers finished 13th in the 2024/2025 National Super League standings with 39 points in 35 outings.