By Gilbert Wandera
In the wake of Harambee Stars’ 1-1 tie against Nigeria on Saturday, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is calling on increased support for the team from the government.
Speaking from Nigeria, Hussein Terry a member of the federation’s National Executive Committee (NEC) pointed out that while they appreciate whatever support the state has given more needs to be done.
He insisted that for one, the government must give the team more money to enable them prepare well for future matches as well as to act an incentive to the players.
“We appreciate the fact that the government spent well over Sh5million for our trip to Nigeria. This is not enough however and more needs to be done,”
“This team does not belong to FKF but whenever the players step on the pitch, they carry the country’s flag and they need to compensated and given all necessary support to do well,” said Terry.
Given an example of Nigeria, he said the West African government gave out attractive incentives to the players prior to Saturday’s match and the same should be done for the Kenyan stars.
“Some of the professional players who come to play for Stars have shown a lot of dedication yet what we give them is peanuts. It is high time we appropriately compensated them as a way of appreciating what they do for the country,” he pointed out.
Elsewhere, the federation will today host a luncheon for the team just a day after arriving from Nigeria.
FKF Chairman Sam Nyamweya said they will invite all those who pledged cash to the team to present the same during the luncheon. Those who pledged cash contributions includes President elect Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko both to give Sh1million.
