Football Kenya Federation Transition Committee has reiterated its commitment to make well use of former players of the national team in a bid to spur the growth of the game locally.
Committee member in charge of leagues and competitions Ali Amour said they will offer training to ex players of Harambee Stars to help them transition into the match officials responsible for overseeing the technical organization of the game in compliance with the applicable laid down regulations.
“We mean well for the growth of the game and currently our mission is to lay foundation geared towards restoration of the lost glory of football. Our ex Kenyan internationals did us proud back in the day and we want to reciprocate by introducing a system where they will be offered proper training which will convert them into match commissioners on good working terms.This will help them earn a living,and bring to an end cases of some of them suffering in abject poverty despite having much potential to deliver in various assignments” he said.
The pathetic scenes that portray the lives led by ex-Kenyan footballers who once basked in fame and glory are quite disturbing as their colleagues overseas enjoy financial success after amassing wealth over the years while plying their trade in well remunerating leagues abroad.
“Gone will be the days when football in this country will be considered as a pastime activity. No corporate firms are willing to invest any meaningful resources in the sport because of lack of accountability from the local admnistrators of the sport.This is the kind of loopholes we want to seal to stop theft of resources meant to benefit our players” added Amour.
Kenya Welfare Footballers Association (KEFWA) President and former Kenyan captain James Situma lauded the move saying this will help in the technical growth of the game and look into the plight of yesteryear footballers who are suffering and can’t manage to fend for themselves.
“This is long overdue and as KEFWA we fully support these ideas meant to help taking our football to another level. Most former players posses managerial abilities and their incorporation into our football structures will do good for the game” remarked Situma
Unfulfilled dreams and a constant battle against poverty is among the major challenges facing former internationals according to one of Kenya’s unsung heroes of the late 1960s and early 70s, Joram Roy who played with the likes of Joe Kadenge, Allan Thigo and James Siang’a.
“We should be celebrated in life not after we die because we played a great role and we were patriotic. Football was not paying those days and if it was, some of us would have invested and would be enjoying the proceeds of our sweat.” he told one of the local publications.
Amour who formerly played football for Itierio Boys high school alongside former Harambee Stars striker Mike Okoth winning the 1987 national soccer title said they will further introduce legends edition across the 47 counties to help tap the veterans’ expertise in promoting grassroot soccer.
Others in the golden team included Henry Motego, Salim Mabruk, Vincent Abuga, Evans Nyariki and Richard Otambo — who also turned up for Harambee Stars. The golden boys of Itierio, including Henry Nyandoro, also played for Kisii’s Shabana FC in the Super League.
Match commissioners ensure the matches are delivered as per the schedule and regulations,liase with the venue manager to ensure the facility is presented in a fit state,resolve any operational or competition matters as necessary among other duties.
