Why Alila is going for the FKF Presidency

The Football Kenya Federation Presidential aspirant Tom Alila.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Campaigns are already underway for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections that are slated for next year.

One of the candidates who has declared his interest for the Presidency is Tom Alila.

The former National Executive Committee (NEC) member for Nyanza region says he has been inspired by five pillars, included in his detailed manifesto, for the top post.

First he wants to take the game to the grassroots. From his research, he feels football is not at the branches but at the sub branches level, so devolving the sport to the 47 counties will be key in his tenure.

Secondly, Alila dreams to change management of the game in the country.

"Sports Act 2013 and the FKF Constitution should be intertwined, this will give out game a clearer view on where it's headed," he told Standard Sports.

Third in his agenda is to promote women's game. He will utilise funds from the world football governing body FIFA to do this.

Although he gives credit to the current FKF office in promotion of women's football, Alila feels the girls, especially Harambee Starlets, can be remunerated better for their services offered to the country.

"In my tenure, I'll ensure that women's leagues and Harambee Starlets have title sponsors," he emphasised.

Fourth in his agenda is the establishment of proper football curriculum in schools and colleges where he believes talent is ripe.

"My other plan is to return fans back to the stadiums, the current attendance of football matches is pathetic," he underlined.

To ensure that his detailed manifesto is executed to the letter, Alila has come up with both short and long-term goals that his leadership will strive to achieve.

To prove his track record as a former football administrator, Alila says he ensured Moi Stadium in Kisumu got an artificial turf facelift which was a Sh52 million collaboration project with world football governing body Fifa during his tenure as Nyanza NEC member.

His period also saw four clubs from the region, namely Agro Chemicals FC, Muhoroni Youth FC, Western Stima FC and Sony Sugar FC, promoted to top flight.

Other prolific sides that got a lease of life in the period were  Palos FC, Migori Youth FC and Kisumu All Stars FC.

And how does he intend to attract sponsors and corporate to the sport when elected?

Alila says transparency and accountability will be key. He says his NEC members will be allowed to work independently and without any micromanagement.

"My office will not be a one man show, it will be all inclusive relationship," he stated.

Alila also plans to work in tandem with the government, saying it's the only way to get goodwill from the State.

"I will put players interest first, because they are the core of the game.

"I will ensure that contracts signed with sponsors are within the public domain.

"In as much as sponsors need value for their support, players welfare will be a priority," he stated.

While pledging to tackle the thorny issue of match-fixing currently bedeviling the local football scene, Alila says he will discuss with the State on how to put up a penal code to criminalise the act.

On the men's national team Harambee Stars, Alila will ensure there is smooth transition of players from clubs to the national level.

"To be sincere, I currently have a problem with the way players are being drafted into the national team.

"Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia FC) is our top scorer yet he is not there, that I have a problem with, I believe Harambee Stars call up should be based on merit to reflect a national outlook," he stated.

Alila has assured that he will honour and recognize football legends and heroes who made up this country proud in their heydays.