Bad governance is a hindrance to the soccer development in Kenya, former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, and Kenyan football legends have said.
Owalo, who is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, and former harambee stars footballers, among them John Bobby Ogola, said there was a need for concerted efforts to fix administrative challenges bedevilling the country’s soccer so as to attract sponsorship and improve players’ welfare.
They were speaking at Karapul Primary School in Siaya Town when the former cabinet secretary, through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, presented Karapul Villa FC with playing kits.
“If we can fix the governance, then we can attract money into football,” said Owalo, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery.
He said that good governance at all levels, right from the clubs, will create opportunities for the rising youngsters.
Owalo challenged the youth engaging in sports to take it seriously, adding that soccer was nowadays a big business.
He, however, challenged them not to abandon education in favour of sports, adding that the two should go together.
Soccer legends who accompanied Owalo, among them former Gor Mahia and Harambee stars players, John Bobby Ogola, George Onyango “Fundi”, Goro Oronge, Isaiah Omondi, and Dan Omino, echoed his sentiments and challenged football administrators to up their game.
Ogolla called for improved governance, right from the club level, if soccer was to develop in the country.
“What has killed Kenya all along is on part of the administration, right from the federation, coming down,” he said, adding, “If we can improve, then everything will be okay.
Former international, George Onyango “fundi” challenged county governments to help nurture talents in their respective areas by supporting football activities.
During the occasion, Owalo donated track suits to the club and a further sh 200,000, while former football Kenya Federation secretary Dan Omino donated sh10,000 to the club.
By Philip Onyango
