Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has hailed the move by the Kenyan government to reward community clubs during their Hongera Awards 2023 ceremony in Nairobi on Friday.
During the event in a Nairobi Hotel hosted by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, sports personalities, and artists were rewarded for their achievements dating back all the way to the 1960s, the first-ever award in Kenya’s history. Gor Mahia received Ksh 5 million for winning the FKF Premier League and an extra Ksh5 million to clear debts with FIFA and CAF, while Shabana FC also received Ksh 3 million for winning the National Super League (NSL).
“I thank the government and particularly the Cabinet Minister for Sports Hon Ababu Namwamba for honouring our community football clubs,” said Nyamweya, adding: “It was an unprecedented act by the government, one that has never been done before and I pray this trend will be maintained.”
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Other teams that got feted include Kakamega Homeboyz, who received Ksh 5 million for winning the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup, Vihiga Queens for winning the KPL Women League, and Ulinzi Starlets for lifting the FKF Women’s Cup.
“The cash incentives the clubs especially Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboys, and Shabana received will go a long way in helping the clubs in their immediate needs like signing new players, paying their outstanding salaries and allowance and in the case of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, clearing the debts they owe their former players who have sued them at FIFA,” added Nyamweya.
Nyamweya also addressed Gor Mahia’s expulsion from the Caf Champions League by saying: “It’s quite a shame that the country will not be represented in the CAF Champions League because the Kenya champions Gor Mahia could not clear their debts with ex-players on time. While I cannot absolve Gor Mahia from blame, FKF leadership also stands accused of failing to guide the club through the matter. If you remember, during my leadership period at the FKF, I ensure all clubs met all the requirements by CAF before representing the country.”
He further called on the government to improve infrastructure especially the Gusii Stadium which is expected to host league matches for Tore Bobe: “At the same time, beyond just honouring the community clubs, I would like to ask the CS and the government to improve on the infrastructure. Our stadiums and especially Gusii Stadium is in bad shape and cannot host Premier League matches. I am happy Hon Ababu Namwamba is taking a keen interest in sports but for the game to grow, we must have the right infrastructure.”
Murang’a Seals FC, who got promoted alongside the Kisii-based Glamour Boys, took home Kshs 2 million while each team that played in NSL for the 2022-23 season received a token of Ksh 300,000 each.