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Former Kenya Police winger opens up on harsh realities that separate NSL from Premier League
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 04.05.26. | 07:22
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kipkirui explained that while the NSL remains one of the most competitive leagues in the country, there are still glaring differences that separate it from the FKF Premier League
Former Kenya Police, Tusker, and Kariobangi Sharks winger Erick Kipkirui has opened up on the major differences between the FKF Premier League and the National Super League (NSL), revealing the harsh realities players face after dropping to the second tier.
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Kipkirui, who currently turns out for Kibera Black Stars, admitted that moving back to the NSL initially affected him mentally after spending years competing at the top level, with some of Kenya’s biggest clubs.
The attacking midfielder, however, chose to embrace the challenge and rebuild himself, a decision that eventually saw him entrusted with the role of assistant captain at the club.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kipkirui explained that while the NSL remains one of the most competitive leagues in the country, there are still glaring differences that separate it from the FKF Premier League.
“First, most of the challenges down here are just basic, the ones that have been there for the longest time, though I am happy some teams have tried to break that, which is good,” Kipkirui said.
The FKF Cup winner with Kariobangi Sharks noted that the Premier League is more tactical and structured compared to the second tier, where matches are often heavily influenced by difficult playing conditions and logistical challenges.
“Then I think the Premier League is more about tactics. A lot of things are happening in the NSL more than in the Premier League, I think,” he added.
He particularly pointed to poor playing surfaces and the long travel distances clubs endure every week in the second tier.
Unlike the FKF Premier League, where most matches are staged in approved stadiums, several NSL teams are forced to use venues that, at times, struggle to meet Football Kenya Federation (FKF) recommendations.
Some clubs play on rough pitches without perimeter walls or proper grass, while others frequently shift venues depending on availability and financial capability.
The winger explained that the demanding travel schedules also make life difficult for players and teams.
From Mwatate to Kajiado, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Luanda, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Nzoia, clubs are often forced to cover huge distances every week just to honor fixtures.
“Down here, some teams have pathetic fields. Apart from that, they keep changing fields at times because of your playing styles. They can even take the match further away. Even the distances involved are just ridiculous,” he explained.
“Though I am not complaining because if they take a match far away, maybe that is the field they can manage, but I think mostly pitches are working against us.”
The attacking player further admitted that dropping from the FKF Premier League to the NSL disturbed him at first, especially after previously competing at a much higher level.
However, after seeking advice from experienced players and encouraging himself mentally, he chose to view the move as part of football’s unpredictable journey.
“This is football, and you cannot tell what will happen next; it is part of the journey. Tomorrow I am here, the other day somewhere else, or even playing abroad, so to me, I took it positively when I came down because also NSL is not a bad level; it is one of the best leagues in Kenya,” he said.
“I took the moment positively and agreed to rebuild again. As a human being, it affected me somehow because I was at another level and now going to a different level below you, but despite any challenges, you just fight where you are.”
“I consulted mostly those experienced players who encouraged me, and also I encouraged myself because football is all about you.”
Kipkirui’s season has, however, been disrupted by an ankle injury that sidelined him for parts of December and January.
Despite the setback, the Kibera Black Stars assistant skipper has still managed five assists and two goals this campaign as he continues rebuilding his career in the second tier.