FKF President Hussein Mohammed Responds to McDonald Mariga’s Reported Ejection From Office
- The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been rocked by reports of disagreements within the National Executive Committee
- President Hussein Mohamed has publicly come out to clarify the situation just a few days before CHAN 2024
- Kenya is getting ready to co-host the continental tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania next month
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The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has come out to address the rumoured simmering tension in the governing body.
Source: Twitter
Social media has been awash with reports of disgruntlement within the body that was only elected into office late last year.
Harambee Stars withdraw from CECAFA Four Nations
The reports have coincided with Harambee Stars' bungled preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN).
The men's national team under South African head coach Benni McCarthy flew to Tanzania to take part in the CECAFA Four Nations tournament.
The tournament was supposed to help McCarthy gauge his team's readiness for CHAN.
Kenya, however, surprisingly withdrew from the tournament four hours before their first game against Tanzania.
FKF wrangles?
Other reports had indicated that some players were called to the team's camp without McCarthy's approval.
On Tuesday morning, journalist Collins Okinyo reported that FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) had ejected Mohammed's deputy, McDonald Mariga, from office.
"Abdalla Yusuf, NEC member, is the new FKF Vice President as Legend McDonald Mariga was secretly removed. The target is Benni McCarthy; they want to remove him by sabotage. KENYA football in for a rough ride."
In a different post, he said,
"Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is being sabotaged. Guys who have a strong connection with the federation are calling up players without his consent."
"They are setting him up for failure so that they get their own man in charge. They have already ejected Vice President McDonald Mariga, who played a big part in bringing McCarthy onboard. The shenanigans going on at FKF are too much."
Hussein Mohammed shuts down rift rumours
In a quick rejoinder, Mohammed shut down the claims, terming the report as 'fake'.
"Kindly disregard misinformation circulating on social media. FKF is an institution guided by its constitution, which we strictly adhere to. Our focus remains on delivering a successful CHAN 2024 and raising the standards of Kenyan Football."
At the same time, FIFA's website corroborates Mohammed's sentiments.
The world governing body indicates that Mariga is still in office with the rest of FKF's composition, including the CEO, Harold Ndege.
Source: Twitter
Mariga has been in mourning following the passing of his beloved mother, Mildred Wanyama. Wanyama passed away on June 14 and was laid to rest on July 5.
In a separate earlier interview, Mohammed had reiterated that no one from his office will interfere with how McCarthy manages his squad.
Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024
Harambee Stars have been in camp as they prepare for CHAN. Following their withdrawal from the CECAFA Four Nations, the team has since returned home to continue with their training.
Kenya's first game will be against the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3 before they play Angola in their next game.
CHAN 2024 favourites
Senegal will enter the competition as the defending champions. They are in Group D, where they will play Nigeria, Congo and Sudan. Their games will be held at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Morocco and DR Congo are also the other favourites, having won the tournament twice. Both teams are in Kenya's group and will play their group games in Nairobi. Morocco beat Burkina Faso in a recent friendly game.
South Africa are also a team to watch given how strong their local league is. They reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations last year with a squad that was largely composed of local stars.
Why Kenya Police haven't received prize money
In a separate report, Mohammed explained why Kenya Police were yet to be paid for winning the FKF Premier League.
The law enforcers beat Gor Mahia to win their maiden title, but they haven't received any prize money to show for it.
Mohammed clarified that he only came into office when the season was already halfway but promised things would change going forward.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
