Former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya blames successor Nick Mwendwa for changing constitution to extend rule
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has lauded the national U18 men’s team, commonly known as Junior Starlets, for finishing second at the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Championship held in Kakamega town and Kisumu city.
In a statement to the media on December 9, 2023, Nyamweya, who was in charge of FKF between 2011 and 2016, observed that the performances were ‘a milestone for the country’s football development’.
“Overall, the Kenya Under 18 football team’s success as CECAFA runners-up is a cause for celebration and pride for the nation. It underscores the potential of youth football in Kenya and sets a positive example for aspiring young athletes,” he said.
“This success comes despite the challenges of having a clueless management of matters football in the country,” said Nyamweya.
He added: “Kenya has talent, dedication, and hard work but interference in team selection and fielding of players cost us the trophy. This management has continued to lead a decline in football in Kenya. Since independence Kenya has never been this low. The region teams whom looked up to Kenya a few years ago are now soccer powerhouses. Look at Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. See how they manage their football leagues and their national teams!”
Nyamweya, who has announced his intent at reclaiming the FKF seat in the forthcoming polls, also hit out at the current FKF regime, led by his successor Nick Mwendwa, for not doing enough to develop youthful talents in the country.
This comes a month after the federation failed to enter a team in the Cecafa U15 tournament despite the event being bankrolled by world football body Fifa.
Kenya lost 2-1 to Uganda in a dramatic finale of this competition at a full-house Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium attended by among other, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, his Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen, former Senator Cleophas Malala and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa.
Enroute to the final, Kenya defeated Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia and Tanzania.
Nyamweya has further accused Mwendwa of trying to circumvent the laws of the land in a bid to extend his eight-year tenure at FKF.
The Kenyan law, in this case, the Sports Act, allows an administrator to lead a sports organisation for a maximum of two four-year terms.
“Mwendwa has changed the FKF constitution in his underhand quest to run again as President for a third term. On behalf of stakeholders in football we are saying no! The FKF constitution is not supreme to the Sports Act. His underhand maneuvers will not see light of day. His two terms are over and he should preside now over a smooth transition. We give notice that come February 14th 2024, we shall boycott all football activities across the country and compel him to leave office.”
The loss by the youthful team comes days after the women’s national team, christened Harambee Starlets, failed to qualify for the women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic 2-1 aggregate loss to Botswana in the ultimate qualification round.
Also read: Rising Early: How to become a morning person and love it
Koffi Olomide’s drama that might hinder him from performing in Kenya