McDonald Mariga’s appointment as the new Vice President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has sparked renewed hope in Kenyan football, with many looking to him to lead the charge in transforming the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels. The former Harambee Stars midfielder, whose career includes stints with major clubs like Inter Milan, Real Sociedad, and Parma, is seen as a key figure who can bridge the gap between Kenyan football’s current struggles and its potential future success.
James Situma, a former Harambee Stars defender and now president of the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA), has expressed great optimism about Mariga’s ability to effect change. Situma, who played alongside Mariga for the national team, believes that Mariga’s wealth of experience from playing in top-tier European leagues will serve Kenyan football well. Mariga, who won the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010 under José Mourinho, brings both local and international experience that could prove invaluable in addressing the challenges facing Kenyan football.
Situma sees Mariga’s move into football administration as an important step forward for the sport in Kenya. The former player emphasized that Mariga, who has experienced the highs of playing professionally in Europe and the challenges faced by Kenyan footballers, is uniquely positioned to address the long-standing issues in the local game. In particular, Situma highlighted how Mariga’s firsthand understanding of players’ struggles, such as the lack of allowances and poor camp conditions, gives him a deeper insight into the needs of Kenyan footballers.
The election of Hussein Mohammed as the new FKF President, alongside Mariga’s appointment as vice president, marks the end of an era under the leadership of Nick Mwendwa. This leadership change is seen as a necessary step to bringing in fresh ideas and a new direction for Kenyan football. Situma noted that there is now a sense of optimism within the football community, with both fans and players eager to see the changes promised by the new leadership. “Everyone feels that we have a new breath of fresh air. It’s like we’ve won as a football community,” Situma remarked.
The challenges faced by Kenyan football under the previous FKF administration were numerous, from mismanagement of resources to strained relationships between players and officials. However, with Mariga now in a position of influence, Situma is hopeful that these issues can be addressed in a more constructive and collaborative way. The former defender emphasized the importance of change and the need to move beyond the frustrations of the past. “At times, change is a must. The people have spoken, and we just hope for the best,” he said.
One of the key areas that Situma believes Mariga can make a real difference is in the welfare of players. Given Mariga’s career in Europe, he has seen firsthand what well-structured football organizations look like. While Situma acknowledged that it might take time to replicate European standards in Kenya, he is hopeful that Mariga can push for tangible improvements in the local game. “He knows what good structures look like. We may not replicate European standards immediately, but we can start somewhere,” Situma explained.
With Mariga’s extensive experience in European leagues and his understanding of the challenges faced by Kenyan players, Situma is confident that the new FKF leadership will be able to bring about meaningful reforms. This includes improving the conditions of national team camps, increasing player allowances, and ensuring better league structures. The real work, according to Situma, begins now, and there is a need for decisive action from the new leadership.
“Now is the time to press the button,” Situma urged. “You’re in charge; you have to influence decisions and ensure everything is okay.” With Mariga’s leadership, Kenyan football enthusiasts are hopeful that the sport will regain its former glory, with better infrastructure, improved player development, and a stronger national team at the forefront of the country’s footballing ambitions.
Situma’s support of Mariga’s vision is indicative of a broader sense of optimism surrounding the future of Kenyan football. As the new FKF leadership takes the reins, there is a collective hope that the reforms implemented will not only uplift the players but also reignite the passion of fans who have long been disillusioned by the sport’s lack of progress. With Mariga’s extensive experience and Situma’s backing, Kenyan football is on the cusp of a new era that could lead to significant improvements both on and off the field.
