The assurance from Football Kenya Federation to cater for the Covid-19 tests for players has enticed Kariobangi Sharks to start training in small groups while observing health protocols.
The club resumed training early this week and according to its chairman Robert Maoga, the undertaking by the federation to meet the testing costs for their players triggered them to assemble at the their training base in Utalii.
He said the players launched their gym work early in the week to regain their fitness and was looking forward to them to kick the ball from next week.
“We have began training although in small groups of six players. We have been observing all health guidelines and we hope the government will allow us to train as usual and play competitive matches. The federation assured us that they will start testing our players soon thus relieving us the burden of meeting the costs,” he said.
With the government maintaining that football activities will remain suspended for a unspecified period, Maoga called on the Sports Ministry to lift the ban for the sake of the livelihoods of players who make a living from the game.
“It is our hope that by mid October, we will be playing football even if it means behind closed doors. This will benefit our players who have been suffering for the past months and sponsors,” he added.
At the same time, AFC Leopards Dan Shikanda joined the bandwagon of administrators who are petitioning the government to soften its stance on the resumption of football activities.
Shikanda noted that the number of positive cases had gone down in the recent weeks, indicating that it was safer for players to congregate and train after testing them.
“Football all over the world has resumed and its time the government allowed us back. Our neighbours Uganda and Tanzania are back to action and we can learn something from them and start as soon as possible since infections have gone down,” he said
Meanwhile Shikanda said restarting would signify that Kenya had won the battle over the virus.
