By Gilbert Wandera
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed it will hire a foreign coach for the national team Harambee Stars.
The federation’s chairman Sam Nyamweya said they believe only a foreign tactician can help revive the fortunes of the team.
Nyamweya was speaking when he gave out certificates to coaches who attended a CAF licensing course in Nairobi last year.
He said: “Some local coaches have let us down because they carry out their selection based on friendship as opposed to professionalism. I want to challenge you to be different.”
“It is for this reason that we have decided to appoint a foreign coach to take over as the next manager,” he added.
Nyamweya said more than ten foreign coaches have applied for the position of Harambee Stars coach and revealed that they will soon fill the vacancy.
Former coach Francis Kimanzi was elevated to the position of Technical Director after a poor performance in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Kimanzi was among other things criticised for poor selection, especially when he insisted on fielding Kevin Kimani and Jamal Mohamed even though they do not have clubs.
More courses
Nyamweya also said the federation will carry out more coaching courses for local tacticians.
“This is the best way to increase their professionalism and we are working with certifying bodies to ensure that they get the required training to improve their credentials,” he said.
Among the coaches who received their certificates were Sony coach Zedekiah Otieno, James Nandwa (Rangers), former Sony coach Francis Barasa, Ulinzi Technical Director Yussuf Chipo, Ezekiel Akwana (Mahakama) and Thika United assistant coach James Omondi.
Speaking at the same function, FKF vice-chairman Robert Asembo told off those criticising the current FKF constitution insisting it is the best they could get.
“We recently passed our constitution and have heard some people criticising it. This is the best possible document we could have and it is here to stay,” he said.
Asembo was elevated to the position after Sammy Sholei was suspended last week.
Fifa on Monday approved the suspension and asked FKF to convene an Annual General Meeting to either ratify or reject the suspension.
Alongside Shoeli, also suspended was Dan Shikand, the Nairobi branch chairman.
