Why Harambee Starlets risk missing Africa Cup of Nations

Harambee Starlets players celebrate scoring a goal in a past match [Courtesy]

It is 25 days before the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) kicks off in Ghana, yet Kenya’s Harambee Starlets are not sure of their participation at the biennial tournament.

The ministry of Sports has no money to meet the Sh43 million budget presented to it by Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Ironically, there is Sh12 billion held up in the Sports Fund that cannot be accessed as the Committee on Delegated Legislation is dragging its feet in allowing the Fund to operate.

A frustrated Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia met several sports federations on Monday afternoon to explain the current situation.

Starlets will b worst hit if the Sports Fund is not operational [Courtesy]

But Starlets will be the worst hit if the Fund is not operational by next week.

The team moves to camp on Monday morning at Utalii Hotel but are uncertain on whether they will travel to Ghana or not.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa pleaded with Parliament to operationalise the Fund saying they do not have money to send the team to the African tournament in Ghana.

“Our plan is to send the team to camp next week and we have lined up two friendly matches before they travel to Ghana. Our budget is Sh43 million,” said Mwendwa.

“The ministry of sports has made it clear they do not have the money as they are waiting for the Fund to start operations but we don’t have that much time.”

“We have been told the committee on Delegated Legislation is asking questions about the Fund and we are pleading with them to get those answers in the next few days and allow it to operate, otherwise we will not be able to send the team to Ghana,” added Mwendwa.

The FKF President also revealed that several sponsors were warming up to the federation but are waiting to see how the fund will operate.

“We have received some interests to sponsor our teams but it will take time for the sponsors to come on board as they are waiting to see how the fund will operate before they decide how they can come on board,” said Mwendwa.

“In the meantime, we want the Fund to be operational so that we can be assured of funds for our national teams.”

Starlets will play Zambia on November 18 in their opening match of the AWCON hoping to do better than they did two years ago when the tournament was held in Cameroon.

Kenya will make it to the World Cup should they finish third.