Who needs coach Hey?

National football coach Antoine Hey must go. That might seem like a drastic step only a couple of days to a crunch Africa Nations Cup qualifier against giants Nigeria, but the coach has effectively deserted his job anyway.

Mr Hey went on an almighty sulk and refused to turn up for training sessions in protest against an order by his employer, Football Kenya, that he recall some key players.

In ordinary circumstances, any interference with team selection would not be countenanced.

But then these are no ordinary circumstances. Harambee Stars have under-performed since Mr Hey took the helm.

The team has been badly affected by the absence of key players who have not found favour with the coach.

Whether their recall will help at this late stage when Kenya must achieve a seeming mission-impossible and beat the mighty Nigeria, is by no means guaranteed, but at rock bottom, every little boost helps.

The Hey saga must also serve as an indictment of Football Kenya. The manner of his appointment through intervention of the Prime Minister’s office and the German Embassy left a great deal to be desired.

A coach with absolutely no track record was imposed on the team as Football Kenya sat mutely, and the taxpayer was forced to pick up the hefty tab.