McDonald Mariga, the former Inter Milan midfielder, has officially announced his bid for a top position in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections. After weeks of speculation, Mariga confirmed that he is eyeing either the presidency or vice presidency of the FKF. His decision came after wide consultations with his supporters and stakeholders from across Kenya’s football landscape.
“I have been forced to enter the FKF race following wide consultations with my supporters and other stakeholders in soccer from various parts of the country,” Mariga declared during a speech at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). His entry into the race brings fresh energy to an already competitive field, which includes notable football figures like Super 8 Tournament organiser Hussein Mohammed and Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a former footballer based in the United States. Although there were earlier hints that Mariga might align himself with Mohammed, he ultimately decided to pursue the leadership role independently.
Mariga’s passion for the sport, coupled with his vast experience both locally and internationally, has been the driving force behind his candidacy. “That is where my passion is, and I can do a good job there,” he asserted.
Football Journey
Born in Kenya, McDonald Mariga’s football career started in local leagues before he caught the eye of international scouts. As a product of the Copa Coca-Cola School Games, Mariga’s rise to prominence is a testament to the power of grassroots football development. He began his professional journey with Tusker and Kenya Pipeline before moving to Europe, where he signed with Swedish club Helsingborg.
In 2010, Mariga made history when he became part of Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan squad that clinched a historic treble, winning the Italian Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. His time at Inter Milan marked the pinnacle of his football career, but he also played for other European clubs, including Parma and Spain’s Real Sociedad.
Despite his success abroad, Mariga has always kept an eye on football back home in Kenya. His entry into the FKF race signals a strong desire to return to the roots of his football career, aiming to give back to the sport that shaped his path.
Vision for Kenyan Football
Mariga’s campaign for FKF leadership is centered on the revitalization of grassroots football, a cause he deeply cares about. He specifically wants to focus on secondary school and university leagues, which he believes are essential for nurturing young talent in the country.
“I emerged from the secondary school games. Back then, it used to be a big tournament. I have not been keeping track of it, but I want to make sure that we will incorporate university and secondary school leagues should we take charge of FKF,” Mariga explained. His personal journey through these school-based competitions fuels his belief that investing in youth football is the key to Kenya’s future success on the global stage.
In addition to his focus on youth leagues, Mariga also emphasized the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure, particularly school grounds, to support grassroots football. He mentioned that while major venues like Bukhungu Stadium are important, especially for high-profile events like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the immediate priority should be on school grounds.
“There are schools with grounds. For now, we have to prioritize using the school grounds. Bukhungu Stadium will only be ready in time for AFCON. We have to get things in order to help those boys coming through to grow,” Mariga said, stressing the need for practical, accessible spaces for young players.
A Crowded Race for FKF Leadership
The upcoming FKF elections are expected to be hotly contested, with several high-profile candidates already in the race. Alongside Mariga, the list includes Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla, former FKF Chief Executive Lordvick Aduda, and ex-FKF president Sam Nyamweya.
Hussein Mohammed, one of Mariga’s key rivals, has been vocal about concerns regarding the FKF Elections Board, claiming there is a “secret agenda” behind its setup. Mohammed, an experienced football administrator, is expected to be a strong contender, particularly with his background in organizing tournaments like the Super 8 League, which focuses on grassroots football development—a vision that aligns with Mariga’s.
Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, another prominent candidate, brings a different perspective to the race as a former player turned coach and administrator, who has spent years in the U.S. working within the American soccer system. His focus may be more on professionalizing Kenyan football to meet international standards, based on his experiences abroad.
The return of Sam Nyamweya, a former FKF president, adds another layer of intrigue to the election. Nyamweya’s tenure was marked by both achievements and controversies, and his comeback bid may evoke mixed reactions among stakeholders.
The Road Ahead
For Mariga, the FKF election presents a unique opportunity to leverage his football pedigree and leadership vision to reform Kenyan football. His pledge to focus on youth development, infrastructure improvement, and revitalizing local leagues resonates with many in the football community, particularly those who see him as a symbol of what Kenyan football can achieve on the global stage.
If successful in his bid, Mariga will have the daunting task of navigating the complex football politics in Kenya, addressing issues of governance, transparency, and funding that have plagued the FKF in the past. Yet his passion for the sport and determination to bring about meaningful change could make him a formidable force in the race.
As Mariga continues to campaign, his popularity as a former international star, coupled with his clear vision for the future of Kenyan football, could sway voters who are eager for fresh leadership. With the FKF officially unveiling its electoral board and setting the timeline for the elections, all eyes will be on Mariga and his fellow candidates as they vie for control of the federation that governs the country’s most beloved sport.
Conclusion
McDonald Mariga’s entry into the FKF elections marks a pivotal moment in Kenyan football. As a celebrated footballer who has achieved success at the highest levels, Mariga’s passion for revitalizing grassroots football in Kenya brings hope to many who believe in the potential of youth development. His vision for strengthening school and university leagues, coupled with his commitment to improving infrastructure, reflects a long-term strategy that could transform the country’s football landscape.
