Jet-set trophy

by James Waindi

President Mwai Kibaki has voiced concern over the endless football wrangles by ordering immediate proper management of the sport.

The Chartered plane which carried the Trophy to Kenya, on Thursday.

The Head of State’s initiative comes at time when confusion in the running of the most famous sport has reached its peak with two rival bodies claiming mandate on football management.

Kenya Football Federation (KFF) has been registered by the Government, but is not recognised by world football governing body, Fifa, and only run football at the grassroots, while Football Kenya Limited (FKL), formed last year, is recognised by Fifa and is in charge of the national team.

"We have an abundance of football talent and we must put it in place through proper management of structures that would take football to the next level," said Kibaki as he received the coveted World Cup trophy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, on Thursday.

Kibaki said winning the World Cup was every footballer’s dream and noted that the Trophy’s arrival was an opportunity for the locals to reconnect with their ambitions and appreciate that dreams come true.

Amid thunderous applause, President Kibaki lifts the trophy flanked by Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and Coca Cola Africa Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kalumbu.

"I urge our young upcoming football stars and the Harambee Stars players to dream big so that Kenya can take its rightful place as a great football nation.

"I urge our team and its technical bench to be inspired by the trophy’s presence in our country and give their do-or-die match against Nigeria on Saturday their best shot. I look forward to a good report from this game and by the same token, I urge football loving fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer our team to victory," Kibaki said.

Both factions of local football chiefs were present at the function as well as the Minister of Sports Hellen Sambili.

KFF was represented by its chairman Sam Nyamweya and Secretary General Omondi Aduda, while FKL had its chairman Mohammed Hatimy and its Senior Vice Chairman Titus Kasuve.

 

 

Read all about: FKL Fifa World Cup Trophy

 

 

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