McDonald Mariga, the former Inter Milan midfielder, has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming Kenyan football, setting the stage for a new era alongside his running mate, Hussein Mohammed. With the elections for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) scheduled for December 7, Mariga’s vision emphasizes professionalism, sponsorship, and the inclusion of football legends to restore the game’s glory.
At an event held in Nairobi, Mariga and Mohammed officially announced their candidacy. The colorful ceremony brought together past and present football players, political figures, and business leaders. Their joint ticket signals a fresh ambition to revive a sport struggling with financial and managerial challenges in recent years.
A Fresh Start for Kenyan Football
Mariga, reflecting on his football journey, highlighted his deep understanding of the struggles within the sport. He traced his roots back to Kamukunji High School, where he began his football career under the guidance of coach Peter Orero. “I know where the shoe pinches,” he said, recalling the obstacles he overcame before reaching the pinnacle of European football. He also noted that, while football was better managed during his early years, the situation has deteriorated, with players now facing severe financial hardships.
“Our players are hungry, they are not paid well, and they cannot pay their bills. There is no money in Kenyan football, and the league is not worth talking about,” Mariga lamented. His primary goal, alongside Mohammed, is to attract sponsorship and create financial sustainability for the sport. While acknowledging that this will not be an easy task, Mariga stressed the need for accountability to build trust with potential sponsors.
“We need to show sponsors how we have spent their money,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of transparency. This, he believes, will encourage businesses to invest in Kenyan football, reversing years of underfunding and neglect.
The Role of Former Players
Mariga’s blueprint also involves giving a central role to former footballers, whom he sees as invaluable resources for the sport’s development. He stressed that the contributions of football legends must not be overlooked, as they possess the knowledge and experience to steer the game forward. “We cannot forget those who brought joy to the country. They opened doors for us and many others,” Mariga said, pledging to integrate them into the sport’s governance and technical development.
By involving these legends, Mariga believes Kenyan football can reclaim its former prestige and serve as a platform for nurturing young talent. Their insights, honed from years of experience, will be crucial in building a sustainable football ecosystem.
Hussein Mohammed’s Grassroots Expertise
Hussein Mohammed brings with him a wealth of experience from running Extreme Sports, a grassroots football initiative that has been active for nearly two decades. His involvement at the community level has given him a firsthand understanding of the challenges that young players and clubs face. Mohammed believes his knowledge of grassroots football, combined with Mariga’s international experience, forms a powerful partnership to revitalize the sport.
“I have been to every corner of this country and seen the struggles of Kenyan footballers,” said Mohammed. “It is now time for a fresh start.” He also emphasized the importance of business connections, noting that Mariga’s local and international reputation will play a significant role in attracting sponsorship and partnerships.
Mariga’s football achievements—winning the Serie A title and the Champions League with Inter Milan—are expected to bolster their campaign. Mohammed believes Mariga’s success story will inspire confidence among stakeholders and provide a positive image for Kenyan football at home and abroad.
Election Competition and Key Contenders
The FKF elections on December 7 have drawn significant interest, with several high-profile candidates entering the race. Among them is Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a former Gor Mahia player, who has voiced concerns about corruption in the election process. Owino has called for reforms, stressing the need for transparency and fairness.
Tom Alila, a former FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) member, has also thrown his hat into the ring. Alila aims to restore the independence of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), a move he believes will allow clubs to operate autonomously and attract more sponsorship.
Other candidates include Cleophas Shimanyula, the owner of Kakamega Homeboyz, Sam Ochola, the secretary-general of Gor Mahia, and former FKF president Sam Nyamweya. Incumbent Nick Mwendwa is seeking a third term, despite facing criticism over his previous tenure.
Challenges and Road Ahead
Mariga and Mohammed’s campaign is entering a highly competitive field, but they remain optimistic about their chances. Their emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and grassroots development aims to address the core issues that have plagued Kenyan football. Both men acknowledge that rebuilding the sport will take time and require patience from all stakeholders.
The promise to bring in sponsorship is central to their strategy. Kenyan football has struggled with financial instability, with clubs and players often going unpaid for months. Mariga and Mohammed hope to change this by creating a more attractive and transparent football environment that appeals to investors.
Beyond financial stability, they also aim to restore fans’ confidence in the sport. Years of mismanagement have disillusioned supporters, leading to dwindling attendance at matches. By focusing on professionalism and better management, Mariga and Mohammed hope to reignite interest in the domestic leagues and national team.
Vision for the Future
If elected, Mariga and Mohammed plan to implement a structured development program, focusing on youth football, grassroots tournaments, and coaching clinics. They believe that nurturing talent from a young age will create a strong pipeline of players for the national team.
Their commitment to accountability extends to working closely with clubs, players, and fans to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process. They aim to create an inclusive football community where every stakeholder has a role in shaping the future of the sport.
The duo also plans to engage with international partners to bring expertise and resources to Kenyan football. This includes collaborating with foreign clubs, coaches, and leagues to improve the standard of play and management practices.
Conclusion
Mariga and Mohammed’s ambitious blueprint for Kenyan football offers a vision of hope and renewal. With a focus on professionalism, accountability, and grassroots development, they aim to create a sustainable football environment that benefits players, clubs, and fans.
Their partnership symbolizes a fusion of international experience and local expertise, a combination they believe is essential for driving meaningful change. As the December 7 elections approach, Mariga and Mohammed will work to rally support from delegates and stakeholders, hoping to usher in a new era for Kenyan football.
While challenges remain, their message is clear: with the right leadership and commitment, Kenyan football can rise again. The road to recovery may be long, but Mariga and Mohammed are determined to lead the way, ensuring that the beautiful game once again becomes a source of pride for the nation.
