RACHIER JOINS FRAY: Gor Mahia boss promises to set up viable youth, coaches and referees training programmes in counties

Ambrose Rachier(left) flank by former footballer Dan Shikanda during his FKF presidential bid announcement at Nyayo stadium on Oct.6, 2015.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has joined the list of those vying for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency, following the unveiling of his candidature yesterday.

He joins Sammy Sholei, Nick Mwendwa, Tom Alila, Gor Semalang’o and the incumbent, Sam Nyamweya.

This will be the second time he is contesting after finishing fourth in 2011. Rachier, who was flanked by two Vice President contestants, Hussein Terry and Dan Shikanda, said his candidature is pegged on five targets.

The first target, according to his statement, is to have viable youth, coaches and referees training programmes in all the 47 counties.
“My administration will also seek to have one high standard playing field or stadia in each of the 47 counties as well as train 10 clubs' officials in each of the counties,” he said.

Rachier said he would seek to have Kenya football developed to the stage of being the top-ranked country in East Africa and also to forge partnerships with government and local companies.

The KPL chairman said his candidature is meant to end the many recurring negatives in local football.
“For over a decade, we have wasted far too much time and energy on internal wrangles. Now we can together invest that time and energy on the real issues in Kenyan football,” he said.

Rachier called for a transparent process to ensure credible elections.
“I am happy that finally, the electoral board has been inaugurated. We want them to take charge of the process to ensure that it is not controlled by of the candidates,” he urged.

He also called on vetting to be carried out from the county level so as to weed out fake clubs, or clubs that are formed for the sole purpose of elections.

The KPL boss further revealed that a joint executive committee will decide the size of next season’s top-tier league.

“I am glad that we (at KPL) have finally signed the memorandum of understanding with FKF, but the issue of how many teams will take part in next season’s league will be decided by a joint committee of both parties,” he said.

Elsewhere, the first ever FKF Presidential candidates television debate was held on Monday with four aspirants taking part. The debate took place on Citizen television.

FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya, who was expected to take part, sent an apology.

The debate featured Nick Mwendwa, Sammy Sholei, Tom Alila and Gor Ssemelang’o.