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Premier League club bosses have demanded for accountability from FKF presidential candidates as they prepare to submitt their nomination papers on Monday.
As the race to lead Kenyan football heats up, FKF Premier League (FKFPL) club chairmen have united, sending a clear message to all prospective presidential candidates: they must prove their commitment to reviving the sport.
The chairmen have vowed to vet every candidate thoroughly before throwing their support behind a preferred candidate, ahead of the national elections set for December 9, following the county elections in November.
Among the prominent names vying for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency are former Kenya and Gor Mahia star Sammy Owino ‘Kempes,’ Hussein Mohammed, sports administrator Tom Alila, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya, and outgoing FKF CEO Barry Otieno.
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14:15 - 13.10.2024
Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno announces candidacy for Presidential seat
Otieno resigned from his CEO position with rumors spreading that he was eying FKF presidency.
Each candidate has named a running mate, with Owino choosing Andrew Amukowa, Hussein appointing former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, Shimanyula teaming up with Bandari chairman Twaha Mbarak, and Alila selecting Beryl Adhiambo.
However, it remains uncertain whether current FKF president Nick Mwendwa will attempt to run for a third term, as he has previously been barred from doing so by the Sports Disputes Tribunal amid reports that he is backing hise deputy Doris Petra.
The chairmen have insisted that the future FKF president must engage with them directly, ensuring that the interests of the top-tier clubs and the sport at large are prioritized. AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda emphasised the importance of meaningful engagement with the clubs rather than secretive campaigns.
“We have not spoken from one mouth, but we have decided that, to make sure football helps the generations behind us, we must stand up as KPL clubs,” Shikanda said.
“If you want to be a president, you must come and talk to us. Talk to the delegates, don’t divide everyone on their own side, sneak in, and forget about football afterward. You don’t know how KPL is run; you don’t know what the referees are doing or how teams struggle to honor their fixtures."
Shikanda stressed that the Kenya Premier League (KPL) is the engine of Kenyan football, adding that the league must meet with all candidates to ensure they understand the needs of the sport and have a plan to address them.
“We don’t want people to vote a suit, so you have sycophants who come to sing your song at the detriment of Kenyan football,” he said.
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05:21 - 14.10.2024
Cameroon boss Marc Brys on why Harambee Stars have huge advantage ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifying rematch
Harambee Stars were battered 4-1 in the first leg on Friday, but the Cameroon coach has revealed the factor that gives them an advantage heading into the second leg.
Tusker FC chairman Charles Gacheru also voiced his concerns, focusing on the need for a leadership that can improve football governance and create opportunities for young players across the country. He highlighted the importance of investment in playing surfaces and youth pathways.
“How do we safeguard the future of kids growing up in Dandora, Kisumu, Marsabit? How do we create pathways for them?” Gacheru asked. “We must ask the difficult questions on how this country becomes a better footballing nation. Where are our playing surfaces?”
Gacheru emphasised that the next FKF president must prioritise governance and integrity. He added that the FKFPL could be a significant engine for change, generating sponsorships, TV rights, and partnerships to fund the development of youth football and support other leagues.
“We can be the league that attracts billions of shillings in sponsorships... We must become a force to reckon with here in the region, on the continent,” he said.
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19:00 - 13.10.2024
'Of course I have to react' - Harambee Stars coach hints at shaking things up following Patrick Matasi's mistakes against Cameroon
Matasi did not have the best of games against Cameroon on Friday night, making two mistakes that led directly to goals as the Indomitable Lions cruised to a 4-1 win.
Mathare United CEO Jecton Obure echoed the call for unity, stressing that clubs across the country must be treated with respect and that their votes must count in the upcoming elections. He revealed that FKFPL clubs are determined to stand together and ensure that they are not taken for granted.
“As clubs, we need to speak in one voice. Watch this space,” Obure said. “We are talking about football clubs, not just the top-tier league. We are not going to be taken for granted anymore. We are people of integrity, and if you are talking about change, that is the change we want.”
The FKFPL chairmen’s stance signals a new chapter for Kenyan football, with club leaders determined to play a more significant role in shaping the future of the sport.
They have vowed to scrutinize all candidates closely and ensure that only those with a clear vision and a genuine commitment to football development will earn their support in the December elections.
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