NAIROBI,February 10-Sam Nyamweya has stepped down from Football Kenya Federation Presidential race leaving three candidates to battle it out.
He has without a doubt faced controversy at the helm of Kenya’s football governing body with accusations ranging from graft to mismanagement of the country’s football that has been attributed to the deteriorating state of Kenya’s soccer.
Despite pressure to quit,Sam Nyamweya had however remained adamant and dared his critics to challenge him at the ballot.It was not however until on Wednesday afternoon that the 62-year-old decided to bring speculation on his continuous stay at the helm of FKF when he announced his exit from the management of Kenya’s football in the presence of 77 delegates drawn from all corners of the country gathered at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
“I truly love everybody here and the institution. My decision comes out of love not hate nor pressure. Friends I care very much for FKF and football as well as its interest, which I hold very dear, that further contributed to this decision. I would like to thank those who have constructively supported me and with steadfast loyalty who have done so much for the game that we all love.”
“I dedicate the many years of football service to my lovely wife who has been with me throughout this journey and my children who have generously shared attention with the burden of responsibility to serve Kenyan football – these are the heroes that deserve your appreciation and tribute,” Nyamweya added.
This decision has know left three candidates contesting for the FKF presidency namely Nick Mwendwa(Kariobangi Sharks Chairman),Ambroce Rachier(Gor Mahia chairman) and Sammy Shollei,a former national team midfielder battling for the endorsement of the delegates.The delegetes drawn from 16 KPL clubs, six FKF-PL clubs, six National Super League clubs, two members each from 20 branches as well as a representative from coaches, players and referee Welfare Associations are also set to elect a vice president and National Executive Committee members.
It however remains to be seen whether Nyamweya my be eyeing a political seat in the upcoming national election in 2017 which has began attracting hopefuls for various elective position. “As I say goodbye to active football administration, may I remind you that farewells are not forever, nor are they the end but are simple words to mark the beginning of a transition to other things,”said Nyamweya.
A delegation from FIFA led by former CECAFA president, Leodenga Tenga, Head of Associations, Primo Corvaro and FIFA Southern and Eastern Region Development Officer, Ashford Mammelodi lead a team of observers overseeing the polls.
By Jeremiah Wakaya
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