Mariga, Wanyama want former players to take charge of FKF

Uefa Champions League winner McDonald Mariga and retired Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama have insisted Kenya needs experienced former internationals at the helm of Football Kenya Federation.

The duo want the available window of change to be maximized on, to give Kenya a long lasting remedy in management of the sport.

"We as former players will be on forefront to push for one of our own and guide him to lead this important docket. We must not allow the same old people who ruined our sport to come back simply because there is an opening after disbandment of FKF," said Mariga.

The former Inter Milan midfielder also feels Kenya could avoid a FIFA ban, despite the ouster of FKF officials by the government.

“We may escape a FIFA ban if as a country we are proactive in engaging them soberly. However, everything will not be lost if we are banned because we can still use that window to correct the mess that is in our football management. We want players respected as the first stakeholders of the game,” noted Mariga.

Wanyama on his part argued the former players, especially who have played at top level both for the national team and clubs have a better view of the game, hence the need to trust its management.

"Retired players have the answers to our game because they know what is needed to prepare players from the scratch to top level. It is a journey they have walked. Look at Cameroon, they have given their legend Samuel Etoo the opportunity to lead their federation.

"He has gone through every important stage of football, so he can easily take them to the next level. We also need such a personality in our federation to help our youth realize their dreams," explained Montreal Impact midfielder.

The call comes as the Football Kenya Federation Caretaker Committee continues to run the sport following the disbandment of the federation proper over a month ago by Sports CS Amina Mohammed.

Ultimately, there will be fresh elections in accordance with the reforms the government is keen to see implemented, in tandem with FKF and FIFA's constitutions.

Wanyama called it a day in the national team Harambee Stars after being overlooked by former head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee earlier this year.

Cameroon elected former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Etoo as the president of their football association Fecafoot a fortnight ago.

The Wanyama brothers were speaking during the Rashid Abdalla Cup final on Sunday, in Kwale County where Denmark FC defeated Lazium FC through post-match penalties to lift the trophy.