Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate, Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula has promised to transform Kenyan football in a major way if elected.
Top of the agenda for Shimanyula is the development of futsal and beach football in the country.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, when he unveiled his manifesto, Shimanyula said sponsors are ready to support the local leagues and that some have already pledged Sh96 million to improve football in all counties on ration of the registered clubs.
“Without money going to the grassroots, we are wasting our time. Remember the people you elect will determine the future of Kenyan football. We must change the perception of sponsors who are currently scared of investing in the game due to maladministration,” Shimanyula said.
The key pillars of Shimanyula’s manifesto dubbed ‘My Dream for Kenyan Football 2024’, are youth development, infrastructure improvement, governance and transparency, community engagement, international partnerships, and an independently run premier league.
The colourful event was attended by close to 60 delegates, including representatives of football clubs across Kenya’s 47 counties. Also present was Shimanyula’s running mate, Twaha Mbarak.
Speaking at the same function, AFC Leopards chairman, Dan Shikanda, appealed to the delegates to vote wisely during the national elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
FKF presidential Candidate Cleophas Shimanyula (centre) with his running mate Twaha Mbarak (second left) and their supporters in Nairobi on November 29, 2024.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“The problem in our football will only be solved by people with passion and vision. You must make sure we have a strong and equal capacity National Executive Council (NEC) that can step out and market our football. Without a strong NEC, we will not succeed,” said Shikanda.
“Football is very expensive and we will be wasting our time if we don’t elect the right people to lead us. It’s our time to change things. A strong NEC will enable us move ahead,” he added.
Former international central defender, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, who also played for Gor Mahia in the 70s, 80s, lamented poor leadership that plagued Kenyan football over the years.
“I’ve been in football for many years. We have seen it all. We have seen many federations come and go. Kenya has a lot of talent, but under poor management,” he said.
Shimanyula, who is also the owner of Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz FC, will contest for the seat in a crowded race that features the current FKF vice president Doris Petra, former FKF Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno, Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla and Murang’a Seal FC vice chairman Hussein Mohammed.
Also in the race is seasoned sports administrator, Tom Alila, former international Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino and the current Nairobi Committee member, Chris Amimo.
