MIGORI: Former Kenyan international footballer MacDonald Mariga has declared his intention to rejuvenate Kenyan football through a bottom-up agenda if elected to lead the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Mariga has urged FKF delegates from Migori to support his candidacy and that of his running mate, Hussein Mohammed, in the upcoming elections scheduled for December.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mariga outlined his vision during a meeting at Migori Town’s Tolan Hotel, where he emphasized the importance of empowering youth at the grassroots level to strengthen the national team and enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan leagues in international tournaments. Mariga, who earned 35 caps for the Harambee Stars between 2003 and 2018, spoke passionately about the role of school games in his own development as a player, advocating for similar opportunities for today’s youth.
Mariga stressed the need to professionalize and promote local leagues, such as the Kenya Premier League and the National Super League, to at
tract investment and improve the quality of play. He highlighted ongoing projects like the construction of a professional football academy stadium in Nambale, Busia County, as critical to talent development.
Addressing challenges currently facing the FKF, Mariga pointed to issues such as inadequate stadiums, corruption, insufficient funding, and unprofessional league management. He promised to tackle these problems and attract sponsors to support the leagues. Mariga and Mohammed, campaigning under the slogan “a fresh start,” aim to bring about a new era for Kenyan football if elected.