Mwendwa decries lack of government support for Stars

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Tuesday accused the  Ministry of Sports of allegedly neglecting sporting activities during  international matches.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa said lack of support for the teams has resulted into the federation reaching out to its partners for bail-out.

“We are used to the Ministry as well as the Sports Fund not giving us the required support to during crucial international matches,” said Mwendwa during a dinner that was hosted to Harambee Stars by one of the federation’s partners, Mozzartbet.

He cited the recent case where Stars, who are in Uganda for a World Cup qualifier against the hosts today, did not receive a single penny from the two entities.

“The federation is on its own and is merely depending on partners like Mozzarbet to facilitate Stars participation in the event. This is what also befell Harambee Starlets in the home and away women qualification matches against Southern Sudan,’’ said Mwendwa.

He added: “In both cases, we wrote to the ministry and even indicated the budget but there was no response even after we had sent reminders. If this is not apathy towards national teams, what is it?”

Mwendwa chided those who have been wrongly accusing the federation of all manner of ills, adding that the federation is guided on accountability and is steadfast on doing so, especially this time when Mozzart has come on board to donate air tickets for Stars to honour the assignment against Uganda.

“We did not want to operate on debts and that’s why we approached Mozzart who has been ever supportive to football in the country. The federation has been criticized but I must say this will not deter our efforts of governing the sport in the right way,” he said.