Harambee Stars coach secures new 5-year deal

By ERICK OCHIENG’

KENYA: Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche’s contract has been extended for the next five years.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya said this has been made possible by the Government, who will help pay the Belgian’s salary.

“The Government has pledged to settle Amrouche’s salary for the next five years of the contract. The Government also decided to come on board to assist Harambee Stars realise its potential,” said Nyamweya in Nairobi yesterday.

 “We are happy that our government has decided to chip in and support football in the most possible way. The federation is grateful for this kind gesture, which will definitely improve services within the national team.”

Nyamweya explained that the contract will take effect as from January 1, 2014.

He admitted that FKF is satisfied with Amrouche’s short service in the national team, which he linked up with in February, taking over officially from the then interim coach James Nandwa, who is currently his assistant.

“Coach Amrouche has staged a commendable show in the short duration he has been with the team. I think giving a better opportunity to impart his skill to the team is an idea whose time has come.”

Nyamweya assured and explained that the Government has committed to settle the coach’s salary for the duration that his contract will be effective. He said FKF will have talks with the Sports ministry to work out modalities of the payment.

However, Nyamweya could not disclose the details of the contract noting that they had talked together with Amrouche and agreed on the contract terms.

“Those are personal issues and I cannot disclose confidential matters. What is important is that we agreed with Amrouche on the terms of the contract and he is happy with them,” noted Nyamweya.

The FKF boss said the federation will work out contracts for Amrouche’s three assistants even though their salaries will not be settled by the government.

At the same time, Nyamweya has reiterated that Kenya has already submitted their bid for the 2019 African Cup of Nations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The same has already been acknowledged by CAF.

“We submitted our bid over four months back now and CAF has already acknowledged receipt of the bid.

“We are hoping that we can get the chance to host the games as we have shown commitment by hosting the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

“I can confirm that we have settled all the bills that we had and we will be having audited reports of the expenditure being submitted by our auditors in the next three weeks,” said Nyamweya.

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