Players sacco mooted

Gor Mahia Eric Ochieng (left) is challenged by Victor Ochieng of Sony Sugar during their KPL match at Sony Sugar Green Stadium in Awendo in September.

By GILBERT WANDERA

KENYA: Cases of former football players living in deplorable conditions due to neglect and failure to invest their resources is common in the country.

However, this could change as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) plans to form a co-operative saving and credit society that will be dedicated solely on securing the welfare of active and retired players through an investment channel.

The co-operative societies in the country are known to be multibillion ventures that have uplifted the living standards of their members and this is a pillar FKF intends to hinge on their ambitious investiment dream in the football sector.

FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya said the new Sacco to be known as Mchezaji Sacco will draw membership from the Kenyan Premier League clubs as well as the lower division leagues.

He said members will make their contributions through a check-off system as happens in other industries.

Access Credit

“The Sacco, once established, will help players access credit facilities to initiate development projects to assist them during or after their active years in football,” said Nyamweya.

He pointed out that the welfare of players is something the federation is keen to pursue. he said they will market the idea to the players as they seek to address the trend where former footballers have turned into beggars.

“We are asking the management of various clubs to advice their players on the importance of supporting such an initiative as a way of securing their future. Kenyan football is on the recovery and we need all sectors to work together towards this.” he added.

New coach

Elsewhere, Nairobi City Stars have acquired the services of little-known Nigerian coach Robinson Ndubuisi Ofwoku to head their technical bench. City Star’s chairman Peter Jabuya, the Kawangware-based team has employed Ofwoku to manage the team this season.

“We have agreed a year-long contract with him that will be reviewed according to how the team performs,” he told kpl.co.ke.

Jabuya said Ofwoku will bring with him vast experience having handled different clubs in his native Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

Ofwoku will be assisted by Harambee Stars assistant trainer Ken Odhiambo and Dutch trained Joseph Jagero.

To complete the technical bench, Jabuya has hired former Tusker team manager Neville Pudo to replace Lawrence Njenga, who will be offered another role.

“We want consistence unlike last season where we had three coaches taking charge of the team,” said Jabuya.

Gambian Bye Malleh Waddah, former Gor Mahia goalkeeper trainer Charles “Korea” Omondi and Dutchman Jan Koops handled City Stars for different spells last season. City Stars finished the league in position 14.

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