Hussein: Trust and inclusivity driving Kenya’s football revival

Speaking during the draw for the Round of 64 fixtures of the FKF Cup, Mohammed emphasised that restoring trust among sponsors and partners has been central to FKF’s recent progress.

He noted that confidence is steadily returning to Kenyan football, a shift he attributes to transparency, accountability and deliberate engagement with stakeholders.

“For FKF, it is important that we give value to our sponsors,” Mohammed said, pointing to improved collaboration and long-term planning as key pillars of growth.

He singled out FKF Cup title sponsor as a model partner, praising the year-on-year growth of the competition and describing the partnership as a major milestone for the federation.

The FKF Cup, now firmly established as one of the most anticipated tournaments on the local calendar, will feature 64 teams this season, including 15 from the top tier and 47 from lower divisions.

Mohammed lauded the tournament’s rising profile, citing impressive fan turnout, vibrant matchday ambience and competitive finals, including the memorable showdown between Gor Mahia and Nairobi United.

The first-round matches will be played on February 7 and 8, with the final scheduled for June 17, 2026.

Beyond the traditional 11-a-side game, the FKF president extended a clear olive branch toward the development of alternative football disciplines.

He acknowledged Kenya’s recent elimination by Namibia in the AFCON futsal qualifiers but framed it as a learning curve rather than a setback.

“For the first time, we participated in AFCON qualifiers for futsal,” Mohammed said, adding that FKF is now committed to increased investment in the sport. Plans are already underway to establish a structured national futsal league, which he described as the immediate and most critical step toward competitiveness.

Beach football has also been earmarked for enhanced support, with Mohammed stressing that both futsal and beach football will play a vital role in national team development ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host.

He reiterated that these programmes will benefit both men’s and women’s teams, aligning with FKF’s broader long-term vision.

With eyes set on 2026 and beyond, Mohammed expressed optimism about bigger competitions, stronger partnerships and deeper fan engagement.

As defending champions Nairobi United await their Round of 64 clash against an FKF Premier League side, the FKF Cup once again offers a platform where revival meets opportunity, and where Kenyan football’s renewed ambition is steadily taking shape.