FKF, ministry upbeat about CHAN preparations
In an update to MPs, Mvurya says Harambee Stars is scheduled to play friendly matches ahead of the championships, which Kenya will co-host
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has expressed confidence that co-hosting the forthcoming continental games will be a success especially after the ministry of Sports paid the Ksh 1.6 billion bidding fees.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who accompanied the FKF top brass to a meeting with the Dan Wanyama-led Sports Committee at Bunge Towers Tuesday said they are focused on Harambee Stars is well prepared to represent Kenya competitively at the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We have appointed a highly experienced coach, assistant coach and technical bench. Already, residential and non-residential training programmes are ongoing. The national team is also scheduled to play friendly matches in preparation for the championships,” Mvurya said.
He added: “On nurturing and talent development, the FKF and sports stakeholders are working on talent identification both locally and internationally. The U17, U20 & U23 teams which we support as a ministry are part of the talent pool which feeds the National team now and future.”
FKF President Hussein Mohammed, in his status report, outlined key milestones that they have achieved since taking office, and strategic plans aimed at advancing the growth and development of Kenyan football.
“Football in Kenya has gone through various phases. Despite the challenges over the years, football remains the most popular sport in the country. This administration is committed to ensuring we elevate our football to new heights,” he said.
Mohammed acknowledged the obstacles FKF faces but emphasised the opportunities ahead for the sport, stressing the need for adequate facilities to grow and commercialise football in the country.
“Without the right infrastructure, we cannot fully commercialize the sport. We need to build facilities across the country, from grassroots levels to national stadiums, to develop a competitive and marketable league,” added Mohammed, who was accompanied by Vice President McDonald Mariga, General Secretary/CEO Harold Ndege, and other key officials.
The FKF management also highlighted efforts been made in developing women football with a focus on Junior Starlets and Harambee Starlets.
“Our women’s football is actually performing better than the men’s teams at the moment,” Mohammed said.
“Kenya’s under-17 women’s team recently defeated Morocco 2-0, and we are on the brink of World Cup qualification. We are investing heavily in women’s football, and we intend to do more.”
He asked the National Assembly to fast-track legislation on match-fixing which he labeled “a cancer that must be fixed”.
This comes in the wake of allegations that national team goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been engaging in the vice while on national and club commitments.
