Chemelil Sugar FC disbanded

Chemelil Sugar Football Club’s 52-year existence has come to an abrupt end after it was disbanded due to lack of resources yesterday.

Up until last week, Chemelil Sugar was expected to open its National Super League 2020/21 season against Shabana FC.

However, the club that has changed management twice in as many years and was relegated from the Kenyan Premier League last season, was dissolved before the new season could begin. 

The struggling sugar company decided that the club should not participate in football anymore. 

“The company management has reluctantly and painfully taken an abrupt decision not to participate any more in whatever levels of Kenyan football under the prevailing circumstances factored in by the leasing programme of sugar milling factories until further notice,” reads a message sent out to players.

It is a sad ending for the millers who have participated in the CAF Confederations Cup before.

In 2004, the team reached the preliminary round of the competition but withdrew from the same stage in the following year. 

Chemelil FC was founded in 1968 and joined the district league. It won the provincial league in 1995 and was promoted to the Super League, now National Super League where it needed only one season to be promoted to the Kenyan Premier League. 

The team witnessed a dip in form over the past few years with things made even worse by the tough financial situation at the sugar factory.

Striker Vincent Wanga took to his social media platforms to confirm the news. “It’s a sad reality that Chemelil sugar FC will be no more. Thanks for the lessons and making me stronger than before,” he posted. 

Some of the big names that have come from the club include Sofapaka coach John Baraza, former AFC Leopards striker Michael Baraza and IF Elfsborg defender Joseph Okumu.

Reports also indicate that Sony Sugar FC has been dissolved although this has not been ascertained.