Stars might be handed special consideration, says Amina

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed says discussions are at an advanced stage to allow national football team Harambee Stars given special exceptions to enable it prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Amina made the announcement on Tuesday after concerns were raised that the national team are yet to resume training and risk facing sanctions should they fail to honour the international fixtures.

Amina’s sentiments comes after the CS last week announced that football was among disciplines that are classified as high risk and potential spreaders of coronavirus hence its activities will remain suspended till further notice.

“Last week I was categorical that national teams participating in international events in the water sports or contact sports categories will be required to seek special exemption from the Cabinet Secretary for Sports. 

As it stands football will be given more priority at the moment given the task ahead,” asserted Amina.

She added, “We have been in discussion with the federation with the aim of finding a way forward in regard to the coming matches. 

So despite the situation we are in, there is no need to worry much.” 

Amina who was the chief guest during the official launch of the Nairobi leg of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Kip Keino Classic) at Riadha House however declined to comment why football is yet to resume at the national stage despite the sport being actively played at the grassroots level.

Stars are set to play Comoros in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier home and away in November .

Before that, the national team has been lined up to host 2012 African champions Zambia next month in a friendly match.

Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi had last week appealed to Amina to pronounce herself on the resumption of football activities to enable him embark on preparations for the forthcoming matches.