Election
An aspiring presidential of the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) General Elections 2024, Cleophas Shimanyula alias ‘Toto’ has assured Kenyans of focus and attention to women’s football teams in the country upon victory.
Speaking at a Mombasa Hotel during the FKF campaigns, Shimanyula accompanied by his running mate Twaha Mbarak, noted that women’s football has been neglected under the current governance hence his office is looking forward to ensuring that the women’s teams receive the needed attention in terms of facilitation and timely remuneration, should they win.
“It is high time for change in the Kenyan football sector hence as the vying team, we remain steadfast in the fight against poor governance within FKF,” said Shimanyula. Themed “My Dream” various delegates gathered to discuss the way forward for the federation under a new regime.
Shimanyula further highlighted that under his leadership, he will push for the establishment of better stadiums, through FIFA, noting that the lack of enough football grounds was a major challenge ailing football in the country. “It is quite an embarrassment that our Kenyan teams including Harambee stars are forced to participate outside the country when they should be doing that within the country,” said the candidate.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for more sponsors in supporting football claiming that at least 70 per cent of the funds go to individuals pockets and not towards improving the federation thus pushing away potential donors. He also mentioned plans to push for opportunities for talented footballers especially at the grassroots level through providing adequate funds and training to nurture their talent.
“This move of picking Twaha as my Vice President is aimed at supporting the football talent possessed by the youngsters in the Coast region especially in Mombasa County,” said Shimanyula.
Twaha noted that the support would serve as a game changer in the football sector in the Coast region. “I urge coastal residents to use this opportunity of electing me as the Vice Chair of this federation as it will not only improve the football sector within the region but also curb bias that we have been facing under the current regime,” reiterated Mbarak.
Other contenders for the FKF presidency are former FKF Chairperson Sam Nyamweya alongside Patricia Mutheu who is also a former MCA in Nairobi County, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino alongside Evance Kadenge, Tom Alila alongside Beryl Adhiambo, Sam Ocholla alongside Willis Waliaula, Barry Otieno alongside Lucy Kageni, Chris Amino alongside Anthony Makau and Hussein Mohammed alongside MacDonald Mariga. The polls are scheduled for December 7, 2024.