Coaches Warn Against FIFA Ban

Five coaches have warned against advocating for a FIFA ban on the country insisting that such a move will be detrimental to the development of the sport.

The five who include three FIFA accredited instructors told off those advocating for such a move insisting that it will roll back many gains achieved in the last four years.

According to former AFC Leopards and Zoo FC coach Nick Yakhama, a FIFA ban will bring to a halt all football activities in the country and anyone advocating for such a move must be out of their mind.

“It will stop us in our tracks as it will affect all our teams from under-13 to under-15,”


“Considering this is where most of our talent is, it will be a major set-back for the country. Furthermore, no local players will be free to go and play in the professional ranks,”

“It will lead to lose of hope and morale and we should not go there,” said Yakhama.

Former Northern Wanderers coach Noordin Tube also warned of dire consequences should the country be banned by FIFA.

“All leagues will be suspended immediately leading to massive unemployment which will hit players, coaches, managers and stadia,”

“Our national team will also miss out on major tournaments like the World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations and other FIFA recognized events. We cannot afford a ban,”

FKF Instructor Twahir Muhiddin on his part said the situation in local football is already in dire straits after the folding of some clubs and a ban will just make the situation worse.

He said: “We are in a very bad situation at the moment with lack of sponsors. Players are already suffering as it is and we cannot add a ban on top of it.”

“The fact is that majority of our players depend on football for as a means of livelihood and if we are banned, they will have nothing else to do as sponsors are likely to pull out from supporting teams.

“The fact is the federation has done a lot in the last four years. Because of the stability and peace, we have had a number of players turning professional and all these gains could be lost.

Muhiddin asked those requesting for a ban to think of the players who will be the biggest losers.

“Our players have nothing to do with what is going on and should therefore be spared any consequences that may directly come to them.”

Another FIFA instructor Leonard Saleh said anyone proposing for the country to be banned is an enemy of football.
“Such a person wants to kill football and the livelihood of players, coaches and referees,” he said.

Former Thika Queens coach Richard Kanyi said lack of grants in case of a ban will affect a lot of programs locally.
“We desperately need those grants to build human capacity among coaches, referees and coaches,”

“Our rankings will also suffer and players will not be able to turn out for professional clubs overseas. We must look at this thing carefully and ensure our players don’t suffer,”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *