Gor Mahia secretary Sam Ocholla eyes FKF presidency
Gor Mahia secretary general Sam Ocholla is bidding to become the next Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president.
In an interview with Nairobi News on September 13, 2023, Ochola outlined his agenda for football in the country if elected, saying he is the best bet to improve the standards of football in the country.
After a troubled two year term at the helm of FKF spanning eight years, FKF President Nick Mwendwa is technically locked out of the presidential race as per the Sports Act 2013.
The FKF polls are scheduled for February 24, 2024.
“I’m officially in the race for FKF presidency. I want to improve the standards of football in the country and do away with the shame being witnessed in the way our national team and leagues are managed. The standards of football have detororiated owing to poor management and squabbles,” said Ocholla, also a renowned city businessman.
Ochola has served as Gor Mahia Secretary General since his election August 2020.
He has also been credited with bankrolling the club’s youth team.
The experienced football administrator supported Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba’s recent sentiments to the effect that Kenya football needs to be fixed through proper management.
“While in the Senate the CS outlined his plan for the game and confirmed the date that elections. His Talanta Hela program, Harambee Stars participating at the 2030 World Cup and other ambitious plans are aimed at improving the game and can only be successful if we have a serious federation in place,” he added.
Ocholla added that he will aim at ensuring footballers contracts are respected.
He added that his reign will also create an environment where companies will invest in football via big sponsorship deals for players, clubs, leagues and the national team.
He promised that the national team will also no longer be a laughing stock and players will be selected on performance basis.
He also waded into the issue of Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat reportedly having not received his salary for seven months, arguing the Turkish trainer should leave his role because his performance is wanting.
“How can you miss to be paid but stick in the same role for months. That shows you are benefiting in a way. Firat should just pack and leave. Even leaving out Gor and Tusker players was a big mistake because they have the best players in the league,” added Ochola.
Ochola will battle in the race to succeed Mwendwa with former Gor Mahia Chief Executive Lordvick Aduda, Extreme Sports Chief Executive Hussein Mohamed, Bandari vice Chairman Twaha Mbarak and US based ex-international Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino.