Clubs taking part in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One League have warned that a FIFA ban on the country will spell doom to most them as they will lose opportunity to earn promotion.
The clubs have also pointed out that the stability built up over the last four years risk being eroded and lead to flight of sponsors.
According to Patrick Orwako from BuruBuru Sports, the current office has brought stability in all the leagues across the country due to establishment of structures.
“We have well organized leagues and we don’t hear of teams going to court because of promotion or relegation. Because of these, sponsors have started coming on board.
“We risk losing all this gains and sponsors running away as no one will want to associate with someone who has been banned by FIFA,” he said.
He also pointed out that football has grown tremendously in the last four years with a marked improvement in the performance of Kenyan teams.
“We qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations and the women version of the tournament as well for the first time. Our clubs also have done well in continental events.
“We have an under-13 and under-15 league and all this risk being going down the drain if we are banned.”
Geoffrey Indengu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bungoma Super Stars said the clubs risk losing out on talented players who will not have an opportunity to play for Harambee Stars in case of a ban.
“Our players are young and their dream is to play for the national teams at some point in their career. If we get banned, that dream will go down the drain. My plea is that we resolve our issues internally before it gets too far and FIFA decides to ban us.
“I ask that those who want to contest in the elections should present their papers and delegates be allowed to make a decision on whom to elect.”
Patrick Wekesa the Secretary General of Transfoc said a ban will force the clubs to go back and start from scratch.
“We have made good progress over the last four years. If Kenya is banned, we will be forced to go back to the start and risk taking our talent to waste apart from the economic impact the country will be subjected to,” he said.
Patrick Buluma from Ligi Ndogo believes a ban will take away the motivation for teams to play.
“Our teams take to the pitch knowing that they are playing for promotion. If we are banned, that motivation goes out of the window and we have nothing to play for,” he said.
Other National Division one clubs who supported the sentiments…. Naivas, Balaji, SS Asad, Mwatate FC, Kisumu HotStars, Zoo Youth and Zetech University FC