Migne puts FKF on notice: Government releases Sh7.2m to the federation as national team prepare Afcon assignments

Head Coach Sebastian Migne of Harambee Stars training at Kenya School of Monetary Studies ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana on Saturday at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. Sept 5, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National football team, Harambee Stars, head coach Sebastien Migne has given the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) a ten-day ultimatum to settle its debt to him.

Despite guiding Kenya to a famous 1-0 victory over Ghana in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier last month, Frenchman, who replaced his Belgian counterpart Paul Put in May, is owed a three months’ salary, reportedly amounting to Sh4.5 million.

Migne wants to get his dues paid by October 15th after the upcoming crucial two-legged 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, failure to which he will throw in the towel and follow a legal way of his predecessors Bobby Williamson and Adel Amrouche.

This was revealed by FKF President Nick Mwendwa, during yesterday’s briefing in Nairobi ahead of next Wednesday’s away match against Ethiopia.

The FKF boss also decried the team’s inadequate funding from the government and delay of funds’ disbursement ahead of the back to back clash against Ethiopia’s Walias.

Sources close to the Ministry of Sports indicate a division at the KenCom House based ministry could be the cause of the delay in disbursement of funds.

Out of a budget of Sh25m submitted to the ministry last month, FKF have only received Sh7.2m which will cater for flights and accommodation.

“Out of the five months, we have only paid the coach (Migne) two months. He is well accommodated with his family but we have not been able to pay him his July, August and September salaries. He has since given us a notice to make sure we pay him by October 15th,” said Mwendwa.

“He has put this in writing. I have no doubt the coach is motivated to get success with this team. There is a way he wants the job get done, but that is only if we also meet our obligation.

“It is a bad situation. The coach hasn’t revealed what he would do, but he has just put in a demand letter. We all know what that means. It is a situation we found ourselves in with Williamson, Amrouche and now Migne. The ministry has promised to solve this problem before next weekend.”

Migne is on a permanent contract and paid by the ministry alongside his assistant Nicholas Bourriquet and video analyst Michael Igendia.

“We only have three permanent staff on the bench, the rest are paid per assignment,” said Mwendwa.

And with Kenya back in contention for the 2019 finals in Cameroon, Mwendwa has urged the ministry to help the players realize their dreams.

“We have an equal chance to qualify for the 2019 Afcon. Sometimes dreams are quickly realized than others, but for us to qualify we must prepare the team well,” he said.

“I understand there is some frustrations in the ministry and the budget allocation is not enough. But right now the team is doing well and it would be good if we get the funds on time and meet all our obligations.”