Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, a revered figure in Kenyan football, has recently shed light on a long-standing financial issue with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Mulee, renowned for leading the Harambee Stars to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2004, is still grappling with unpaid wages nearly two decades after his memorable stint with the national team.
In a candid interview with Radio Jambo, Mulee disclosed that FKF owes him approximately Ksh 1.5 million. Despite receiving a partial payment of Ksh 250,000 recently, a substantial amount remains unpaid. This ongoing financial discrepancy mirrors the challenges faced by the current Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat, who has struggled with unpaid wages for the past nine months.
Mulee’s revelations highlight a persistent issue within Kenyan football, reflecting a deeper systemic problem that transcends individual administrations. He vividly recalls the financial struggles during his initial tenure as Harambee Stars coach in 2004. “Even then, we faced significant financial issues despite our success in qualifying for the 2004 AFCON. It’s disheartening to see that these problems are still ongoing 20 years later,” Mulee stated.
The debt Mulee is confronting extends beyond the current FKF administration and dates back to the leadership of Sam Nyamweya. Mulee clarified, “This isn’t from Nick Mwendwa’s era but from Nyamweya’s administration. While Mwendwa’s team has made some payments, a considerable amount remains outstanding.” This historical debt underscores the persistent financial mismanagement issues within the federation.
Mulee’s frustration with FKF’s financial handling is compounded by the fact that he led the Harambee Stars to one of their most significant achievements—qualifying for the 2004 AFCON. Despite the financial constraints, Mulee managed to guide the team to the finals, where Kenya achieved a historic 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso. However, his achievements have been overshadowed by ongoing financial struggles that have marred his career and affected his reputation.
Mulee’s financial woes with FKF reflect a broader problem in Kenyan football, where financial instability has been a recurring issue. The fact that Mulee’s predicament spans across multiple FKF administrations highlights the systemic nature of the problem. His experience sheds light on the difficulties faced by other coaches and staff within the federation, contributing to a negative perception of FKF’s financial management
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In addition to his coaching career, Mulee is also a prominent radio presenter, known for his insightful commentary on football and other sports. His second term as Harambee Stars coach, from October 2020 to October 2021, was marked by continued financial difficulties. Despite his dedication and achievements, including the memorable 2004 AFCON finals appearance, Mulee’s tenure was overshadowed by persistent issues with unpaid wages and financial mismanagement.
Mulee’s situation raises critical questions about the state of football administration in Kenya. The continued financial challenges faced by coaches and staff underscore the need for reform within FKF to ensure timely and fair compensation. As Kenyan football continues to grapple with these issues, Mulee’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the systemic problems that need addressing to improve the state of the sport in the country.
In conclusion, Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee’s exposure of FKF’s long-standing debt highlights a pressing issue in Kenyan football. His experience reflects broader financial mismanagement problems within the federation, affecting coaches and staff alike. As Mulee continues to advocate for the resolution of his financial issues, his story serves as a call to action for reform and better financial practices within FKF. The hope is that his revelations will spark necessary changes to address the systemic issues and ensure a brighter future for Kenyan football.
