Former players, Mc Donald Mariga, right,now the FKF vice president shakes hands with James Situma, left, KEFWA president. Photo: Courtesy
Kenya Footballers Welfare Association ( KEFWA) has issued a stern warning to the newly elected Football Kenya Federation ( FKF) office to implement CAF Club Licensing as soon as possible so as to safe guard players welfare and protect potential national team talents.
Speaking on Monday at the players union offices in Nairobi, KEFWA president James Situma was adamant that the current poor treatment of footballers in the country by their clubs is a worrying trend that undermines the proffesionalism giving an example of men’s National Super League ( NSL) side Vihiga United FC.
“Last week, it came to our attention that Vihiga United FC travelled the night before their match, arrived in the morning, and immediately played the game without adequate rest,” Situma said.
“Such tendencies are not just poor club management, but they directly violate the rights of our members who are professional players, and it is harmful to their physical and mental health,” the KEFWA president added and emphasized that according to CAF Club Licensing Regulations (40), Football clubs are required to ensure that players have sufficient rest and recovery before matches.
Situma also went ahead to explain that Regulation 18 of the CAF constitutes mandates that players should have formal written contracts, yet Vihiga United FC does not such documents in place with their players, an unfortunate situation that is also common to other first and second tier football clubs in Kenya affecting both the men’s and women’s Leagues.
“We are calling on Football Kenya Federation to enforce CAF’s Club Licensing Regulations. It is crucial that all clubs adhere to these standards, especially on player welfare, contracts, and overall professionalism. It is time for the Federation to hold clubs accountable, and we, as the Kefwa Union, will continue to advocate for players rights,” an agitated Situma finalized.
The dwindling standards and poor football leagues in the country have been highly affected by FKF not implementing CAF Club Licensing and inadequate financial resources from sponsorship deals, something that has now turned some first tier and second tier clubs to be used as breeding grounds for gambling and match fixing.
The players union body is now calling upon FKF for immediate action that will not only protect the image of Kenyan football, but also promote the upcoming generation who are the back bone of Harambee Stars.
