Azam TV to air Mashemeji Derby and Tusker, Kariobangi Sharks clashes

Tanzanian broadcasting company Azam TV have confirmed plans to air two Kenya Premier League games next weekend in news that could not have come at a much better time for Kenyan football.

In a promotional video posted by the service provider, Azam are set to televise the game pitting league defending champions Tusker and Kariobangi Sharks on 13 May 2023 before turning attention to arguably the biggest game in the country between league leaders Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards set for 14 May 2023.

The announcement, which was followed up by Mozzart Sport, confirmed the company’s plan to use the two fixtures as a bigger plan towards sponsoring the league in future.

Both games will be available to all Azam TV customers on a select channel - Azam Sports 1 HD.

“KENYA SUPER WEEKEND: Tunazidi kuvuka mipaka na sasa tumetua nchini Kenya. Je, unaijua 'Mashemeji Derby' wewe?? Unalijua 'vibe' lake? (We continue to cross borders and we are now in Kenya. Do you know about the Mashemeji Derby?)” Azam TV posted on their social media handles on Sunday confirming the news.

Rumors had it last week that Azam TV had written a letter to the Football Kenya Federation in a bid to televise both games, with the FKF Premier League allegedly set to receive Ksh. 409,050 in the event the two parties reached a deal.

It will not be the first time Azam has made headways in Kenya, having aired the league in 2015 under the reigns of then FKF President Sam Nyamweya.

The marriage would however come to an end after one season following the league being run as two separate entities; the KPL Limited run-league and the FKF run league.

Gor Mahia currently sit atop of the FKF Premier League standings with 63 points after 29 rounds, with Tusker in second place on 61 points.

In 2021, Azam TV secured the Tanzania Mainland Premier League (Tanzanian Premier League) broadcasting rights in a deal that gave it the sole rights of the top-tier for the next 10 years following the sponsorship renewal with Tanzania Football Federation.

Johnathan McKinstry: The gutsy Northern Irishman daring to return Gor Mahia to its glory days