Hussein Mohammed has officially declared his candidacy for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency, presenting a robust plan for overhauling Kenyan football. His campaign, under the banner ‘Fresh Start,’ outlines a series of ambitious reforms designed to revitalize the sport and address long-standing issues.
At the heart of Mohammed’s proposal is a significant boost in prize money for clubs competing in the FKF Premier League (FKFPL). He aims to elevate the stakes by increasing the top prize to Sh.50 million, a move he believes will enhance the competitive spirit and financial stability of the league. “Our clubs deserve better financial rewards for their hard work and achievements,” Mohammed stated. “By restructuring how national leagues are governed and supported, we can attract more sponsorships and elevate the standard of our football.”
In addition to financial incentives, Mohammed is advocating for greater autonomy for football leagues. His vision includes empowering leagues to manage their own sponsorship deals independently, thereby increasing their revenue potential. “Local football branches should have the freedom to negotiate and secure their own sponsorship agreements,” Mohammed explained. “This approach will not only boost their financial resources but also foster a more dynamic and competitive environment.”
Infrastructure development is another key component of Mohammed’s strategy. He proposes a partnership with national and county governments to construct new stadiums across the country, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 seats. These facilities are expected to provide better playing conditions and attract more spectators, contributing to the overall growth of the sport. “Modern, well-equipped stadiums are essential for the development of football in Kenya,” Mohammed emphasized. “We need to invest in infrastructure to support our players and engage our fans.”
Women’s football also features prominently in Mohammed’s reform agenda. He plans to enhance support for female players, drawing on the success of the national under-17 team’s qualification for the World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Mohammed aims to leverage this achievement to inspire greater participation and investment in women’s football. “The progress made by our young female players is a testament to their potential,” he noted. “My administration will prioritize the development of women’s football, ensuring that our female athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.”
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Former footballers are not overlooked in Mohammed’s vision. He intends to involve them more actively in the administration of the sport, proposing the creation of a hall of fame and a comprehensive retirement scheme. This scheme would include health coverage and other benefits, acknowledging the contributions of retired players and providing them with support beyond their playing careers. “Our former internationals have valuable experience and insights to offer,” Mohammed said. “We need to integrate them into the governance of football and ensure their well-being after retirement.”
In his campaign launch, Mohammed took the opportunity to criticize the current FKF President, Nick Mwendwa. He has called for Mwendwa to respect the Sports Act, which stipulates a two-term limit for the presidency, and not to seek re-election. Mohammed also stressed the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process, ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to compete. “It’s crucial that we have a level playing field for this election,” he asserted. “We need to adhere to the Sports Act and ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and fairness.”
Support for Mohammed’s candidacy is gaining traction, with endorsements from influential figures such as former international Boniface Ambani. Ambani has expressed confidence in Mohammed’s ability to bring about meaningful change and rejuvenate Kenyan football. “Hussein Mohammed has a clear vision and the right approach to restore our football’s prominence,” Ambani commented. “His proposals address the core issues and provide a pathway for sustainable growth.”
As the FKF elections approach, Mohammed’s campaign is poised to shape the future of Kenyan football. His comprehensive plan aims to address financial, administrative, and infrastructural challenges, offering a fresh perspective and new opportunities for the sport’s development.