Mwendwa: I will not resign!

FKF President Nick Mwendwa during press briefing on SuperSport termination of KPL matches live broadcasting at Utalii College. April 8, 2017/ [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa has said he will not resign even if the country fails to host the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Mwendwa had earlier vowed to throw in the towel should Kenya lose hosting rights for the biennial tournament set for January 12 to February 4.

With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team expected in the country on September 7 to determine Kenya’s preparedness for the competition, the federation boss laughed off his critics’ demands for him to make good his threat.

 

Warrant resignation

“Naysayers would like me to leave whether we hold CHAN or not. What I meant was that this is so important to us that it could warrant my resignation. I was very sure that with my management and the Government’s support, we would do this,” said Mwendwa.

“The thing is this, is it worth resigning considering that if it doesn’t happen, there are repercussions? Yes. But as a federation, will it be our responsibility? The answer is no. Then should we stop the good work we are doing? It shouldn’t be that drastic. I think what we should take away from this is our relationship with the Government has to improve.”

Even as FKF and the Government continue working round the clock to ensure the five venues - Kasarani, Nyayo, Kipchoge Keino, Kinoru and Kenyatta stadiums are ready, Mwendwa has absolved his federation of any liability that might arise should CAF move the tournament to another venue.

“Last year, we brought Issa Hayatou (former CAF President) here. We did our part, but we want to work with the Government to ensure that we host the event. If we are not able to do this, I was to go to the Government and tell them that football offers an employment opportunity for many youths hence it should become a policy, rather than resign.

 

Step back

“If I resign, it will be a step back for the work we have done for two years. Of course, the people who don’t want us to stay will say we must go,” he said.

Asked if Kenya was ready for the repercussions, Mwendwa said, “Since it is an investment programme, there are no sanctions against any nation for failing to host.

“If CAF pronounces that we are not ready, they have are at liberty to choose other hosts. So nobody will punish us for this; the only repercussions will be losing our slot for CHAN.”