Cleophas Shimanyula, the chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz, has officially launched his campaign for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency. During an event held in Kakamega, Shimanyula, accompanied by his running mate Twaha Mbarak, outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing Kenyan football through significant reforms. With the election set for December 7, Shimanyula’s promises focus on addressing long-standing issues that have hindered the development of the sport in Kenya. His campaign targets four critical areas for transformation: timely referee payments, transparency in national team selection, support for women’s football, and eliminating corruption in the National Super League (NSL).
1. Timely Payments and Professional Development for Referees
One of the most pressing issues Shimanyula intends to tackle is the delayed payment of referees. He highlighted the mismanagement of the current system, where referees have experienced salary delays extending up to two years. Shimanyula’s vision is to ensure that match officials are paid on time, allowing them to perform their duties without financial concerns.
“I can assure you that the mismanagement we’ve seen will end, especially the two-year-long salary delays for referees. That will not happen under my leadership,” Shimanyula stated, emphasizing the need for stability and support in match officiating.
To further elevate the standard of refereeing, Shimanyula plans to implement professional development programs aimed at training referees across all levels of competition. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge, he aims to create a more consistent and high-quality officiating standard that will enhance the credibility and professionalism of Kenyan football. His plan aligns with international best practices, focusing on building the capacity of local referees to manage high-pressure matches efficiently.
2. Transparent and Fair Selection Process for Harambee Stars
Another key area Shimanyula addressed is the national team selection process, which he believes has been marred by favoritism. He criticized the current system, noting that many talented players are often overlooked due to their club affiliations, rather than their performance on the pitch. Shimanyula is committed to establishing a transparent and merit-based selection process for the Harambee Stars.
“For years, we’ve seen issues with the national team selection process. Many talented players are overlooked simply because they don’t play for certain clubs. This has to change,” he asserted. Under his leadership, he promises that the best players, regardless of their club associations, will have the opportunity to represent the nation.
Shimanyula’s proposal includes setting up an independent selection panel that will use clear criteria and performance metrics to evaluate players. This move is intended to ensure that national team call-ups are based on objective assessments of skill, form, and contribution to their respective clubs. By implementing this system, Shimanyula believes that Kenya can build a competitive team capable of excelling in international competitions.
3. Securing Sponsorships and Support for Women’s Football
Recognizing the growth potential in women’s football, Shimanyula has made it a priority in his campaign to secure sponsorships and improve conditions for female players. He expressed concern over the current administration’s failure to support the Women’s Premier League, highlighting the absence of sponsorships and the issue of unpaid wages for female athletes.
“The current regime has completely failed our girls. As we speak, there’s no sponsor, and the players are unpaid,” Shimanyula lamented. His commitment to revitalizing women’s football includes a pledge to secure financial backing for the league, ensuring that players receive their due compensation and that the sport receives the recognition it deserves.
To achieve this, Shimanyula plans to partner with local and international companies willing to invest in women’s football. His strategy involves promoting the league through marketing initiatives that showcase the talent and passion of the players, attracting both corporate sponsors and fan support. Shimanyula’s goal is to create a sustainable and competitive environment for women’s football, which will contribute to its growth and development in Kenya.
By ensuring fair pay and better support for female athletes, Shimanyula hopes to create a platform where young girls can aspire to pursue football as a professional career. His vision includes developing grassroots programs to identify and nurture talent from a young age, providing opportunities for female players to participate in structured competitions and develop their skills.
4. Eliminating Corruption and Bribery in the National Super League (NSL)
Addressing corruption in the National Super League (NSL) is another major focus of Shimanyula’s campaign. He criticized the current system, where NSL clubs are responsible for paying referees before matches. According to Shimanyula, this approach opens the door to bribery and match-fixing, compromising the integrity of the league.
“National Super League teams are burdened with paying referees before matches, which opens the door to corruption as teams can bribe officials for favorable outcomes,” Shimanyula explained.
To eliminate these opportunities for corruption, Shimanyula proposes centralizing the payment system for referees. Under his plan, referees will be paid directly through the federation, ensuring they receive their wages on time and reducing the risk of manipulation. This centralized approach aligns with global football governance standards, promoting fair play and integrity within the league.
Additionally, he aims to introduce monitoring and accountability measures to track referee performance and maintain transparency in officiating. He plans to establish an independent body to oversee refereeing standards and handle any reports of misconduct or bias. By centralizing referee payments and implementing strict oversight, Shimanyula believes that the NSL can become a fairer and more competitive league, free from corruption.
Shimanyula’s Candidacy Adds Competition in a Heated Race
With the FKF presidential elections set for December 7, Shimanyula’s entry into the race intensifies the competition. Several other prominent figures are also vying for the top position, including former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, Hussein Mohammed, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, and Tom Alila. Each candidate brings a unique vision and set of promises to the table, but his focus on specific, actionable reforms has positioned him as a serious contender.
Shimanyula’s Vision for a Revitalized Kenyan Football
Cleophas Shimanyula’s campaign for the FKF presidency is built on a promise to bring transparency, professionalism, and development to Kenyan football. His emphasis on timely payments for referees, fair national team selection, support for women’s football, and anti-corruption measures in the NSL shows a clear understanding of the challenges facing the sport.
By focusing on these four critical areas, he aims to lay the foundation for a football federation that prioritizes the needs of all stakeholders—from grassroots players to national team athletes and referees. His plans not only seek to resolve current issues but also aim to create a sustainable structure for the future growth of Kenyan football.
As the election date approaches, Shimanyula’s detailed vision and commitment to reform could resonate with voters seeking change and a brighter future for football in Kenya. If elected, he promises to turn these proposals into reality, transforming Kenyan football and restoring the nation’s pride on the international stage.
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