They came they saw and conquered. Leading African Pay-TV broadcast giants Multichoice under their flagship brand Supersport could be set for a return to Kenyan football.

The revelation was made by Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts on Monday.

He spoke to the media on the sidelines of a dinner bash at State House Nairobi to mark the country’s 59th birthday.

“I don’t do empty promises, when I mentioned Supersport, I knew exactly what I’m talking about and conversations have been going on,” said Namwamba.

Namwamba also challenged the local media to take up opportunities in Kenyan football that will help develop the game.

He said: “I’d be a happy minister for sports if our league live broadcast was done by a local media house, i challenge all of you (K24, NTV, Citizen), you can as well make a joint effort and feed the external broadcasters.” 

“I’ve made progress with my discussions with Supersport mamagement and I invited Multichoice to Nairobi and they came today (Monday) for our Independence day celebrations. I just finished a substantive meeting with the Multichoice Africa CEO and we’ve made good progress in the discussion to make Supersport return to Kenyan sports.”

Supersport acquired the exclusive rights to show the Kenyan Premier League between 2011 and 2017 in a deal worth USD 700 million.

But the broadcast firm quit in a huff after a fallout with Football Kenya Federation chairman Nick Mwendwa over among others, the number of teams to compete in the league.

Supersport’s impending return comes at a time when Kenya President William Ruto unveiled a grand plan to develop football in the country.

“We will soon unveil a countrywide U19 football league. This will offer our talented youngsters an opportunity to develop and be ready. We want a formidable team when we host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. We also plan to play at the 2030 Fifaa World Cup,” said President Ruto.