Nyamweya’s team and KPL boss plot joint FKF polls plan
IT has been confirmed that Sam Nyamweya’s people have been holding talks with Ambrose Rachier’s Team Kenya with a view to teaming up for next week’s Football Kenya Federation national polls.
Sources close to Nyamweya;’s camp revealed the two teams have been in contact although by yesterday afternoon nothing had been agreed on.
Some well known people in Nyamweya’s camp joined Rachier in Eldoret yesterday when the Team Kenya camp was being launched.
Nairobi FKF NEC Member Sammy Mugo, a close ally of Nyamweya, said they have decided to team up in order to win the election against the formidable Nick Mwenda’s Team Change.
“We have decided Team Kenya is the best team for Kenyan football. It has experience and that is why we intend to join up for a winning strategy,” Mugo said.
Asked if Nyamweya was informed of the strategy, Mugo said they had been in a meeting with him on Wednesday and informed him they were heading to Eldoret.
Coast region NEC member Mohamed Omar, another Nyamweya loyalist said football management needs a united front in order to realise development.
“We want a united front in the management of football affairs in the country. That informed our decision to come together and support Rachier’s bid,” Omar said.
Outgoing North Rift chairman Joseph Kiptash who is eyeing the Rift Valley NEC post and has been in Nyamweya’s camp also welcomed the new strategy.
“When a team is not performing well, we substitute the players and leave the team to continue. What we are planning is like substituting some players to make the team stronger,” Kiptash said.
However some of those who didn’t want to be named said they have informed and convinced Nyamweya about the strategy.
“We have told the president (Nyamweya) we want to win, and that we should support Rachier. Let me tell you things are good. You can tell for yourself that many of us who support him are here today supporting Rachier,”
one of the FKF officials who did not wish to be named said.
Rachier, the KPL chairman, said his leadership will be anchored on inclusivity in decision making in order to streamline football.
“With national team Harambee Stars facing different challenges, we need to strengthen players’ welfare. I will make sure the selection of players into the national team represents the face of Kenya. We have the best talent but we have not been able to tap it. If elected I will put up those structures to effect it,” Rachier said.
He said the KPL should run as a subsidiary of the federation in order to avoid wrangles that normally crop up at the start of the season.
“For KPL to also retain its independency, I will relinquish my position as chairman if I get elected. I am very impressed by the support I have received today. Here I have 40 genuine delegates,” Rachier added.
Present at the Team Kenya launch included Ulinzi Stars CEO Joe Birgen, Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, Posta Rangers senior vice chairman Gichugi Njeru among other KPL clubs. Also present were Kenya Football Coaches Association secretary general Bob Oyugi, Mt. Kenya FKF chairman Martin Kiarie, Nairobi NEC member Sammy Mugo, Angelin Mwikali (NEC Eastern), Coast Region NEC member Mohamed Omar and North Rift FKF secretary Boaz Kaino among others.