We were not stranded in Frankfurt, say Amputee women’s football team

Kenya’s Amputee women’s Football team has defended the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, refuting claims that they were abandoned by the Kenyan government on their way back from the inaugural World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s World Cup in Colombia from November 4-11.

The team, which finished fourth out of 10 countries, lost 1-0 to Colombia in the semi-finals and suffered a similar defeat against Poland in the third-place playoff. Videos' were shared on social media showing the players sleeping at the Frankfurt Airport during the layover.

On Thursday, Amputee Starlets captain Clara Chepkoech dismissed the claims of being stranded in Frankfurt, Germany.

“Those are rumours. We had a layover, but were never stranded at Frankfurt Airport,” she said during a celebration lunch hosted for the team at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Also in attendance were Principal Secretary for Sports Peter Tum, Kenya National Paralympic Committee Vice President Bhavit Chudasama, and Kenya Amputee Football Federation (KAFF) president Bernard Odhiambo.

 Team Manager Stanley Mukoyani, also the Deputy Secretary General of KAFF, praised the Ministry for its unwavering support throughout the journey, noting the federation’s compliance with international amputee football governing bodies from the regional to the global level.

Murkomen expressed shock upon hearing the rumours that the team had been stranded.

 “It was the work of a rogue person, keyboard warriors spreading rumours. As a ministry, we will never allow a team to board a plane without support. We gave the team all the necessary support including tickets to the World Cup, allowances, and accommodation. The athletes got the best possible connection, plus I have not heard a complaint from Amputee Starlets,” said Murkomen.

He also suggested that the rumours may have been spread by someone with political motives, but assured the team that their efforts would not be undermined.

 The Sports CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing support for the team in 2025, including during the Confederation of East and Central Africa Amputee Football (CECAAF) and the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON).

He also emphasised that the ministry would work with schools and the Kenya Academy for Sports to nurture talent from the grassroots level, including athletes with special needs.

 In a gesture of appreciation, Murkomen presented the Amputee Starlets with an undisclosed token of recognition, explaining, “Since the scheme of service is 1-2-3 and you came fourth, out of benevolence, I reward the team unofficially.” The government’s reward scheme only applies to medal-winning teams, but the Starlets’ remarkable performance was acknowledged nonetheless.

 Murkomen also confirmed that once the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams conclude on November 22, the Amputee Starlets, along with the Junior Starlets—who made a historic debut at the Fifa Women’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic last month—will visit President William Ruto at State House.

 Chepkoech had requested a series of improvements for the team, including early preparations, friendly matches, and better equipment.

The team had to borrow crutches from the Haiti team during the World Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by the players.

She also suggested mentoring and empowering amputee football referees in Kenya and addressing the logistical difficulties of training players from various counties.

The team has been invited to a Five-Nation tournament in England, featuring World Cup champions Colombia, runners-up USA, bronze medalists Poland, and hosts England.

On their journey to the semi-final, Coach Clement “Viduka” Otieno’s side topped Pool ‘B’ with a goalless draw against Haiti on November 4, followed by a 2-0 win over Peru on November 5, thanks to goals from Esther Syombua and Winnie Rose.

Anjejo’s lone strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win over England on November 6, and she repeated the feat to send Kenya through to the quarter-finals with another 1-0 win over Ukraine on November 8.