Sports

‘What must be fixed will be fixed’ – Namwamba promises after Harambee Stars poor show

Wednesday 13th September, 2023 04:29 PM| By Joel Sang

Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba has promised to take drastic measures after Harambee Stars were defeated 1-0 by South Sudan on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Kenya Police striker Tito Okello scored the winner for South Sudan’s Bright Stars, who stunned Kenya in their September second friendly match at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.

Namwamba’s promise

Without pointing out what needs to be fixed, Namwamba acknowledged that Kenyans deserve better after the home loss to their CECAFA rivals.

“The result is disappointing, yes, no doubt. But still, it gladdens my heart greatly to see international football back in our stadium and Kenyan fans rising to the occasion with passion, verve, and fervor.

“You sure deserve better. What must be fixed will be fixed. Trust me,” Namwamba said in a statement.

Namwamba’s assurance comes at a time when Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat claimed he had not been paid for months. In July, Namwamba said he was aware of the salary issue with the coach, who, after the South Sudan game, said he had not received a penny from the ministry as salary.

Firat’s complaints

“I haven’t been paid for months, but that’s not the issue. The real challenge is explaining to my family why I continue with the job without receiving compensation.

“I have to justify to them why I invest my time and money and not for the family’s sake,” Firat said in his post-match reaction.

Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma challenges an opponent during South Sudan friendly. PHOTO/(@Harambee__Stars)/Harambee Stars/X

This was the second time Firat complained of the outstanding salaries after he said no one makes more sacrifices in Kenyan football circles than him.

“For salaries, I will answer like this. There is nobody in Kenyan football who makes more sacrifices than me. Of course, nothing is paid,” he said in an earlier interview before Kenya’s friendly against Qatar.

The match against South Sudan was Kenya’s first home engagement since a FIFA suspension was lifted early in the year.

Firat has been pushing for Kenya to play high-profile friendlies as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.