Football coaches’ body urges state to ease Covid-19 restrictions

Robert Matano. [File]

Kenya Football Coaches Association (Kenfoca) have urged the government to reconsider sports resumption protocols to take into account the economic welfare of players and coaches.

Sports CS Amina Mohamed announced on Friday that football, rugby, volleyball, basketball and all other contact sports will have to wait a little longer for restart as the country eases restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the football coaches’ body insists the measures are too restrictive even at a time politicians have gone on the overdrive with public rallies.

“The government should be flexible, otherwise we read double standards in the way the issue is being handled,” Kenfoca chairman Robert Matano said yesterday.

“Politicians are also organising tournaments around the country yet we are not allowed to continue with professional football. It is not good.

Sports CS Amina Mohamed addresses the media before touring of Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu on May 21, 2020. [Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard]

“The guidelines should be realistic. Nobody is against guidelines. It is important that everyone concerned manages the health situation and it can be done,” said Matano, who is also the coach of Tusker FC,

“The government should listen to the concerns of the players and the coaches too,” he said. “I strongly believe the sports fraternity understands the severity of the pandemic and they will do everything to ensure that we manage ourselves. Otherwise, if these restrictions continue, several employers, who have braved the economic hardships to continue paying salaries will soon also stop.”

On Friday, CS Mohamed said: “Support from the government will prioritise national team events.” She said added: “Testing will not be mandatory but where required, the cost shall be met by federations, sports organisations, participants or event organizers as applicable.”