Uhuru warns squabbling football bosses
President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned the feuding football administrators against wasteful squabbles at the expense of harnessing talent from the youth.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted GOtv Shield champions, Sofapaka, at State House, Nairobi the President said:
“As soccer managers and on behalf of Kenyans, you should promote talent to enable young people earn decent lives from this sport,” he added.
The President’s remarks come at a time when the Kenyan Premier League and the local federation are locked in a power struggle over the control of the league.
The bone of contention between the two bodies is the composition of the league with the federation fronting for an expansion of the league while KPL wants the status quo of 18 teams maintained.
SPORTS LOTTERY
In his statement, President Kenyatta said football is the country’s national sport and everything should be done to encourage local teams shine in both national and continental championships.
The President also said the planned sports lottery in the country would go a long way in promoting budding sports talent among the youth.
The President congratulated Sofapaka for winning the GOtv Shield and assured them of his continued support as the team prepares to represent the country in continental competitions.
Sports, Culture and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, who was present during the function, told football administrators in the country to put their houses in order as mismanagement will no longer be entertained.
Sofapaka will be Kenya’s flag bearers in the Caf Confederations Cup next year.