Stop wasteful squabbling, Uhuru warns football administrators
Sofapaka captain John Baraza (front left) hands the GOtv Shield Cup trophy to President Uhuru Kenyatta as the club's chairman, Elly Kalekwa, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario look on at State House in Nairobi on December 4, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU
What you need to know:
- President Kenyatta said football is the country’s national sport and everything should be done to encourage local teams shine in both national and continental championships.
- On the ongoing tussle between Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan Premier League, Wario said: KPL is here to stay, FKF should put its house in order."
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday asked local football administrators to rise above wasteful squabbles and assist young talent to exploit their potential.
In an apparent reference to the ongoing rift between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) management over the running of the top flight football competition, President Kenyatta also directed officials from the two institutions to work on modalities that will ensure the national football team and clubs shine in both national and continental championships.
“As soccer managers and on behalf of Kenyans, you should promote talent to enable young people (to) earn decent lives from this sport,” said the Head of State.
The President was speaking when he hosted GOtv Shield Cup winners Sofapaka at State House, Nairobi, where he also said football is the country’s national sport and everything should be done to encourage local teams to shine in both national and continental championships.
President Kenyatta said the planned sports lottery in the country would go a long way in promoting budding sports talent among the youth.
The President congratulated Sofapaka for winning the GOtv Shield Cup and assured them of his continued support as the team prepares to represent the country in the secondary continental competition.
Sofapaka will carry the Kenyan football flag to the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
EMPHASISED MESSAGE
Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, who was present at the event, echoed the President's sentiments, adding that mismanagement of resources by officials would no longer be entertained.
On the ongoing tussle between the Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan Premier League, Wario said: "KPL is here to stay, FKF should put its house in order."
During last month’s GOtv Shield Cup final played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Sofapaka braved a heavy downpour to beat Posta Rangers 2-1 to emerge winners. Sofapaka were also the first runners-up in the just concluded Kenyan Premier League season won by Gor Mahia.
(READ: Gor Mahia retain KPL title)
Sofapaka also took home Sh2 million in sponsorship money from GOtv. The President donated Sh1 million.
