Nairobi News

Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Youth Affairs and the Arts, expressed disappointment in the Football Kenya Federation following the disappointing loss of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, to South Sudan’s national team.

The two teams played an international friendly match at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani, Nairobi.

“The result is disappointing, yes, no doubt. But still, it gladdens my heart greatly to see international football back to our stadia, and Kenyan fans rising to the occasion with passion, verve and enthusiasm. You sure deserve better. What must be fixed will be fixed. Trust me,” said CS Namwamba.

Also read: Sam Nyamweya blasts FKF following Harambee Stars loss to lowly South Sudan

FKF is the football governing body in Kenya and it is in this organization where many problems continue to embattle its President, Nick Mwendwa.

On several occasions, FKF has found themselves on FIFA’s chopping block due to issues with mismanagement of the organization and financial corruption.

In addition to CS Namwamba’s sentiments, a section of Kenyans did not hold back their ire against Harambee Stars, who had just come off a high wave after beating Qatar while abroad last week only to come on to the pitch and flounder spectacularly against South Sudan.

“Thank you, Kenyans, for showing up in large numbers. we didn’t get the result we wanted, but we felt your full support,” said Harambee Stars in their post-game statement, but this did not go down well with Kenyans, as seen below.

“I stand to be corrected…This Harambee stars is just a joke, the same team that has represented us since I can’t even remember when, with no scouting at all, and with this, we will never go anywhere ..No talent there, I can assure you, we need new players,” said Kelvin Leroy.

Also read: All about Qatari player who ‘fought’ Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu

“SS bright stars were serious…Harambee stars were below expectations,” added Chris Cheruiyot.

“Bure kabisa (very useless). You’ve undressed us in public. But haidhuru (it does not matter), we live to fight another day,” opined Ochieka Temba.

“Kenyan football is a mess with that soprano man. Nothing good to expect,” said Fredymu Januzzaj.

“That team should be disbanded. Wasted public resources for nothing,” added Mheshimiwa Rawllins.

South Sudan beat Harambee Stars to score their only goal at the second minute of the game. The goal was scored by Tito Okello, a win that greatly irked Kenyans that Harambee Stars conceded a goal so early in the game on September 12, 2023.

In the latest FIFA rankings, Kenya ranked 105 with 1191.07 points, while South Sudan ranked 167th with 983.35 points.

Harambee Stars have maintained inconsistent performances, with critics attributing these results to poor management from FKF leading to frequent changing of coaches, poor team selection, lack of quality infrastructure, and squabbling among football officials.

Also read: Ex-Kenya international ‘Kempes’ calls for change at FKF after Harambee Stars loss