The government plans to support the growth of community soccer clubs in counties to raise the dwindling football standards in the country, sports CS Ababu Namwamba has revealed.
He disclosed that his ministry had put in place strategies to revamp stadiums and increase cash flows to community clubs by attracting sponsorship deals for the local league and clubs.
“What we are currently doing is in line with Kenya Kwanza manifesto of creating job opportunities through sports and we have the full support of his Excellency president William Ruto” Ababu said.
The sports CS regretted that soccer in the country was currently on its death bed stating that what the country needs to do was to return to the basics by encouraging growth of the game from the grassroots.
He observed that with the country’s target of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and qualification to FIFA world cup 2030, the focus must be on community clubs and improving sports infrastructure in the country.
Speaking in Rarieda Sub County during a friendly match between Gor Mahia and Rarieda combined, the CS revealed that he has held meetings with a number of cooperate entities with regards to sponsorship deals with Television giants Supersports likely to make a return to Kenyan soccer league next season.
Ababu who was hosted by his Information, Communications and the Digital economy counterpart Eliud Owalo told Kenyans to expect a change in fortune for Kenya football in 2023.
Mr Owalo on his part lauded Ababu for the significant achievement he has made in Kenyan soccer over the short period he has been in office.
“Over the short period Ababu has lifted the country out of FIFA ban and the league is underway we are very grateful for that” said Owalo.
He said soccer clubs in country will engage in talent search across the country to uplift levels of soccer at grassroots levels.
“Today’s match between Gor Mahia and Rarieda combined was mainly a talent search game, this is the only way we can expose talents at grassroots levels” Owalo said
He called for change in modes of management of Kenya soccer to attract more investors and sponsors.
“Soccer management must now adopt a business model, this is the only way we will be able to attract and maintain sponsorship” the CS Owalo stated.
By Brian Ondeng
