Sports CS Namwamba optimistic after meeting premier league clubs, calling Fifa over football suspension
After close to one year in the dark, Kenyan football could be on its way back to the international scene.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba yesterday said the government was ready to meet FIFA’s demands for Kenya to be reinstated in global football activities after meeting with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League club bosses for a consultative meeting that lasted for over three hours.
Following Kenya’s suspension from all football activities due to what the global football federation termed as government interference, FIFA demanded the reinstatement of the ousted FKF officials and the secretariat in order for the country to be readmitted to the global stage.
CS Namwamba noted that they are in top conversations with FIFA and are working with stakeholders in meeting the demands for the reinstatement to be done urgently.
“Yes, we know what to do and we are talking to key stakeholders and we are now ready to do what is required of us,” said Namwamba.
The CS also added that he has been in constant communication with FIFA in search of restoration.
“Since taking over this ministry last Friday I have been on regular phone calls with FIFA. As we speak I have talked to FIFA five times and am going to talk to them again after this press conference. This is an important moment in Kenyan football, it marks a start of a new era, an era of consultations in decision-making where the voice of everybody matters,” Namwamba added.
In a joint statement read by Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, the FKF PL leaders want FKF Deputy President Doris Petra to be given the mantle of running the affairs of the federation in the meantime, while also calling for the return of federation Secretary General Barry Otieno.
They also advised the CS on the immediate re-opening of FKF offices in Kasarani so as to begin the process of football resumption in the country.
“As the chairpersons of FKF PL Clubs, we have resolved that the demands of FIFA in their letter dated 24th February 2022 be complied with to the extent that the deputy president of the federation is restored. Kandanda House to be reopened and the head of secretariat Barry Otieno be restored,” read Rachier.
Yesterday’s meeting is a sign of hope for local football enthusiasts who have been left guessing for the next move regarding the local game.
Sofapaka Football club president Elly Kalekwa showed his delight after the meeting with the CS, noting that it was a step in the right direction.
“I am finally happy that we have a clear direction in bringing back the federation. This is surely the way to go if we want to move forward and get long-term solutions. I know CS Ababu is a sporty person and he means what he says.
Mid-last month, club CEOs also met and proposed 12th November as an ideal date for the commencement of the local top-tier league.
