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Kenyan football witnessed a new dawn on Saturday with the election of 47-year-old businessman Hussein Mohammed as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president for the next four years.

Mohammed beat seven other candidates to the position after a gruelling battle that lasted several months. He thanked the FKF electoral board for a job well done and promised to serve everyone equally.

During his campaigns, Mohammed issued several promises ranging from improving the infrastructure of Kenyan football, fostering public-private partnerships and collaborating with governments, schools, and institutions, as well as building world-class facilities from the grassroots to the national level.

Now the reality begins. He has a lot on his desk and must work overtime to achieve the promises made to Kenyans. Mohammed faces a multitude of challenges, both internal and external.

First, he has to unify the stakeholders. Football has diverse stakeholders, including players, coaches, clubs, fans and sponsors. Building consensus and fostering collaboration among the groups can be a significant challenge, especially when there are differing interests and opinions.

Second, is financial management. Football clubs and federations often operate on tight budgets, and financial mismanagement can lead to serious consequences. As a new leader, he must develop sound financial strategies and secure sustainable funding sources, besides ensuring transparency in financial dealings.

Infrastructure development would also be crucial for the new sheriff in town. Investing in modern stadiums, training facilities, and youth academies is crucial for the long-term development of football.

Securing funding for infrastructure projects and managing construction processes can be complex and time-consuming.

Identifying and nurturing young talent is essential for the success of Mohammed’s tenure. Implementing effective youth development programmes, providing quality coaching, and creating pathways for young players to progress to the professional level requires careful planning and investment.

Another issue is political interference. Mohammed may have enjoyed massive government support, but he should be prepared to draw a line between driving the football wheel and appealing to the political class.