Federation can do better, say Timbe and Wanyama

Even as Kenya prepares to entertain Mauritius this evening in a 2018 World Cup preliminary qualifier match, senior players Victor Wanyama and Ayub Timbe have urged the local federation to improve if the team is to succeed.

Wanyama who plays for English Premiership side Southampton and Timbe, who is on loan at Belgian club Lierse from parent club Genk, have said some managerial aspects of the federation are wanting. The two have urged federation officials to improve.

Their calls come in the wake of an embarrassing revelation by custodian Arnold Origi that the federation did not refund his air-ticket expenses for Kenya’s game against Zambia last month, prompting him to skip Wednesday’s match against Mauritius.

“Football is about discipline. We must have discipline in camp because people look at your image as a footballer and the same is true of the federation. Regarding lack of ticket refund, it has happened to me in the past. It is not a good thing, the federation needs to improve,” Wanyama said.

“We don’t want to concentrate on it (air ticket saga) but on the game. Origi (Arnold) is an experienced goalie and his presence would have added value. He is assured and experienced.”

And Timbe said: “We are focused on the game.  My goal is to do well but a lot of aspects needs to be worked on, especially facilities. Unlike Europe, here, the pitches are wanting.

“For everything to run smoothly, teething problems need to be addressed by football administrators. I promise not to let the fans down. I will strive to give my best.”