Sports

Kenyans upset with government for ‘abandoning’ Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne (right) conducts a training session with the national team players at Utalii College grounds on October 4, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO

Kenyans on Twitter are extremely upset with the government following reports that it has neglected the national football team which is currently preparing for crucial international fixtures.

Harambee Stars are scheduled to travel to Ethiopia for a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match next week on Wednesday before hosting the Walya Antelopes in Nairobi four days later.

The outcome of these fixtures will have a great bearing on Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the biennial continental tournament for the first time in 14-years.

GOVERNMENT’S INDIFFERENCE

But then, there have been reports – confirmed by Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia –  that the government is yet to release monies to help the team prepare.

These funds are meant to account for camping allowance, accommodation, air tickets and medication for the players.

On Twitter, Kenyan have been livid over the government’s indifference to the team’s welfare.

Then this one here went to #Russia2018, you wonder what took him there – in fact he should refund the money. Sports is a full time employment. Where do you want young talented people to get their jobs from ? #WhyAlwaysSportsKe pic.twitter.com/ZwBTO0JdAF

— Frank Orinde (@FrankOrinde) October 5, 2018

Harambee stars have reached a very crucial stage in qualifications to AFCON. They need maximum support from the Govt. @ministryofsports kindly facilitate the team. @kipmurkomen Kindly push for this #WhyAlwaysSportsKe

— alex ngare (@AlexNgare) October 4, 2018

As we troop to hail foreign teams in the upcoming #InternationalBreak, this is what we have to contend with back home. #WhyAlwaysSportsKe pic.twitter.com/49vqSAQ18e

— Kerubo Momanyi (@VioMomoney) October 4, 2018

We know what our volleyballers went through to make it Japan. That has been happening to other sports disciplines too. The govt can’t be bickering about politics everyday. You have no option but to treat our heroes right #WhyAlwaysSportsKe

— Oguda (@zaxoguda) October 4, 2018

We defeated Ghana, we top group F. Wins over Ethiopia on 10th and 14th October will put us in a good position of qualifying, however the incompetent ministry of Sports is sabotaging the process. #WhyAlwaysSportsKe

— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) October 4, 2018