New FKF president Dorris Petra appears in public for the first time to grace graduation of elite coaches
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Dorris Petra yesterday appeared in public for the first time since taking over the mantle from embattled Nick Mwendwa almost three weeks ago, as she graced the graduation of 25 elite coaches who had completed the first-ever CAF B class to held in Kenya.
Mwendwa handed over the reigns of power to Petra after stepping down from the hot seat after a series allegations that he claimed were damaging his reputation.
“In light of the foregoing, specifically the arrests and detention, which have adversely affected my family and personal business and whilst I’m confident of being cleared of any wrongdoing in the end, I have today, in accordance with Article 42 (8) of the FKF constitution asked my vice president madam Doris Petra to assume all functions of the president,” wrote Mwendwa.
The course that was organised by FKF through the blessings of CAF saw participants train for four-month and the training included attachments at top-level clubs for all coaches. Some of the renowned former national team players who took part in the course include Musa Otieno, Hilary Echesa, Fred Ambani, Doreen Nabwire, and Beldine Odemba.
It also included Tusker Assistant coach George Maina, Joseph Wambua of Ulinzi Starlets, Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia and Harambee Starlets tactician Charles Okere.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Petra said it was a proud moment for Kenyan football.
“I am proud of all of you; we started training of coaches in 2016 and it is a great achievement to have this class certified at this top level. This is a big step forward in the technical development of football in the country,” she said.
Former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno said the class is ready to play its part in the development of the game.
“We are lucky to be the pioneer class at this level; we are the ones who can change football in this generation and we have to use the knowledge gained to make a difference at the grassroots and especially among young people,” Otieno said.
Knowledge gained
Ulinzi Starlets tactician Joseph Wambua said the knowledge he gained has already started paying dividends.
“I am a different coach now. I have started applying what I have learned and I have won two trophies already.”
Bidco coach Anthony Akhulia said: “This course has been intense but that is why it is good. It has changed my outlook on football. There are things I did not know about how football is managed and coached. It is now upon me to transfer this knowledge to my players.”
Starlets coach Charles Okere said the course will help Kenya bridge the development gap with other countries in Africa.
“Playing in the Women’s champions league showed us that we have gaps and raising the capacity of coaches is how to bridge this gap,” he said.
