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Fred Likuyani

Former Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye’s bid for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) top seat received a boost after former western region NEC member Andrew Amukowa and other stakeholders endorsed his candidature.

Amukowa’s endorsement of Musonye is a big blow to former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya who is also eyeing the top seat, as the former was one of his close allies. 

Speaking to People Sport on phone from Kakamega, Amukowa said that having served in local football at both branch and national level, he can easily tell who is the right person and ready to bring a lasting solution to the ailing Kenyan football.

“Together with my able team, we have resolved to endorse the candidature of Nicholas Musonye who has done great work at Cecafa, uniting the region and also managing to bring on board the countries’ leaders, giving it political goodwill,” he said. 

He added: “I want to disagree with all those who are opposing Musonye claiming that he should have gone for the higher seat either at Confederation of African Football (CAF) or Fifa.

He can only get there when the foundation of Kenyan football is stable.”

“Let us take this opportunity to overhaul the failed system and establish a strong foundation that will take our football to the next level. It is a major concern to see other teams from this region overtake us while we have been dominant before,” said Amukowa. 

“We put our trust in Musonye who has the right and able network that will restore confidence in Kenyan football and bring back the sponsors,” he pointed out.

Another former soccer administrator Elly Mukolwe also endorsed Musonye, terming his entry as a timely blessing for local football. 

“The record of Musonye is quite clear as he has shown the world what he is capable of doing and what he can bring to the football fraternity. Let us rally behind him and give him all the support as time has come for the country to realise positive change,” said Mukolwe. 

He went on: “We will try to network both at regional and national levels to ensure that FKF gets not only good leaders but those who have the passion and are ready to sacrifice and elevate the standards of Kenyan football.’’ 

Sources also revealed that discussions are underway to compel St Peter’s Mumias principal Cosmas Nabongolo, who is expected to declare his candidature this week, to withdraw and support Musonye.