FKF boss says they are ready to abandon continental campaign for safety
People Reporter
@PeopleDailyKe
Harambee Stars locally-based players yesterday kicked off preparations for the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match against Comoros on March 25, despite the uncertainty surrounding the fixture after Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe called off all international sporting events in the country for the next 30 days as part of precaution on the deadly coronavirus.
Yesterday Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa said they were willing to stop their 2021 Afcon campaign for the sake of ensuring safety for the more than 45 million Kenyans.
On Friday CAF secretariat sent a communique saying they were monitoring the situation before they give a directive. So far no coronavirus case has been reported in Kenya, but countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco have had isolated casses.
“We have written to Confederation of African Football (CAF) today explaining the current situation and the government decision, so we are expecting a conclusive decision by Wednesday,” Mwendwa told People Sport.
He added: “I hope CAF understands the situation and moves the match to a later date, because this a pandemic affecting sporting activities in every part of the world. If they decide otherwise, we will just give a walk-over to Comorros and pull out of the 2021 Afcon campaign, so long us we are not blamed for risking the lives of Kenyans.”
Kenya is second in Group G of the qualifiers after sharing spoils with former continental champions Egypt in Cairo and Togo in Nairobi.
Comoros who were expected next week, top the group on four points after beating Togo in Lome and drawing with Egypt.
Meanwhile, 16 locally-based players took part in the Monday’s session with Tusker player Eugene Asike also receiving a call-up to the National team after a three year break.
“We thank the local clubs for releasing the players so as to enable early preparations ahead of the match agaianst Comoros,” said coach Francis Kimanzi.
He added: “We have 16 players in camp at the moment and we will be expecting foreign-based players to join them in the next two weeks.”
Stars are set to face Comoros at home on March 25, and March 29 in away Moroni.
