Former KPL champion details financial woes crippling NSL clubs from Western
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 18.10.25. | 21:51
The veteran forward believes that restoring financial stability and offering proper incentives could revive the region’s footballing spirit
Former Kenyan Premier League winner Benard Onyango has lifted the lid on the deep-rooted financial struggles facing Western Kenya’s National Super League (NSL) sides.
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With the treble of Luanda Villa, Vihiga United, and Nzoia Sugar FC currently cash-strapped, he warns that the situation is threatening the region’s once-vibrant football tradition.
The three clubs, which represent the football-rich Western region in the 2025/26 NSL season, are traditionally expected to perform well given the area’s vast talent pool.
However, Onyango says the opposite has been true in recent years, with poor performances, dwindling fan support, and financial instability becoming the new normal.
“It is only money that is making our clubs struggle, because no good player will stay with your team without funding,” Onyango told Mozzart Sport.
The former Sony Sugar striker, who lifted the Premier League title with the Millers in 2006, believes that financial constraints have left the clubs vulnerable and unable to retain key players or compete effectively.
“For two seasons, your best players will run away. And in football, to succeed, it is nothing else, money!” he stressed.
Onyango noted that while teams from other regions, such as Kabati Youth, 3K FC, and Fortune Sacco, enjoy strong fan bases both home and away, Western’s representatives have struggled to attract even a modest crowd.
“Luanda Villa, Nzoia, and Vihiga United have been left to survive with just a few vuvuzelas,” he said, pointing out that the low turnouts mirror the lack of investment and excitement around the clubs.
The veteran forward believes that restoring financial stability and offering proper incentives could revive the region’s footballing spirit.
“If these teams get money, players receive winning allowances and salaries, and they don’t miss training, then fans will be awed by the performances,” Onyango remarked.
Last season, Villa were the best-placed among the three, finishing ninth with 49 points.
Vihiga followed in 12th with 45 points, while Nzoia settled for 14th with 44 points.
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Financially, all three have shared similar woes. Nzoia, once bankrolled by Nzoia Sugar Company Limited, were relegated from the Premier League due to financial challenges.
Vihiga have been without a sponsor since the Vihiga County Government failed to renew their deal in 2018, while Luanda continue to operate without a major backer since their inception.
Onyango further called for more open and inclusive leadership structures to reconnect fans with their clubs.
“It’s down to leadership. Let the leaders open up the teams to fans. Nzoia used to be a company team; now that the company is no longer there, there’s no money for the club.
Vihiga are facing the same issue. Let’s start with the fans who are close to the club,” he said.
The former forward believes that a renewed fan culture and transparency will naturally attract sponsors and rebuild the clubs’ strength.
“The teams should bring the fans back and win sponsors again. Once that happens, money and results will follow,” Onyango concluded.
