Sports
Outcry Over FKF Women League Prize Money
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has awarded THE 2020/2021 Women Premier League (WPL) winners Thika Queens Sh350,000 (about $3500) as prize money for their efforts and a number of stakeholders believe that amount is nowhere near enough.
Thika Queens, under the tutelage of coach Benta Achieng’, saw off Gatundu Sports 3-0 in the play-off final at the Agricultural Show Ground in Nakuru at the weekend to scoop a second ever league title in five years.
But the prize money, which was handed to the team in form of a dummy cheque by FKF vice-president Doris Petra has appeared to irk women football coaches in the country, some of whom are accusing the federation of not doing much to enhance the growth of women football in Kenya.
Besides the prize money, Harambee Stars forward Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Jereko, who emerged topscorer in the league, went home empty-handed despite scoring 21 goals in the competition.
“I advise our girls to play football and engage in other hustles. In the past, a number have left the game because of stress. Even coaching doesn’t pay. We are just offering our services for free,” said a WPL coach who spoke to Nairobi News off the record for fear of victimization.
“Even regional tournaments sponsored by private firms like Safaricom to grow talents offer Sh1 million. Where is the federation taking money for the growth of football? “another coach posed.
FKF vice president Doris Petra who presented the award in Nakuru agreed that the amount was nowhere near enough. She however argued it was an improved amount to the Sh250,000 ($2500) awarded to Vihiga Queens last season.
“I have consulted and been told that there was no meeting where it was agreed the winner would take the Sh1 Million prize and trophy. We don’t have money and that is what we could afford. It was only agreed that the money would be higher than Sh250,000 but not the amount some of them are quoting,” Petra told Nairobi News from Nakuru.
The official also took issue with coaches who claim that both Zone A and Zone B should be unified into one streamlined league, saying it is not possible due to financial constraints.
“It is the clubs that agreed the current Zone A and Zone B format continues. When we had league, how many walkovers were being issued? I agree we have to invest a lot to grow women football but blame games wouldn’t take us anywhere,” added Petra.
He however promised the federation would look for money to award Dogo, Thika custodian Monica Karambu and other players who excelled on the pitch.
Dennis Ombachi, popular rugby player and chef has set tongues wagging after sharing a snippet of his toddler son showcasing that he can float on water and swim to safety.
Ombachi took to his Instagram page to share a video throwing the little boy into the water, leaving many in shock.
In the short video, the rugby player lifted his son up, kissed him, then he tossed him into a swimming pool by the leg.
“Four weeks since we started water safety classes and my son graduated today, officially water safe!” Ombachi gushed on Twitter about his son’s abilities.
Once in the water, the baby boy quickly gets himself to a floating position and kicks his feet moving forward steadily. It appears that he can get himself out of a pool and even keep his head up to breathe after having been taught the life skill early on.
Following the child’s accomplishment, Ombachi said that he is a “proud father”
“Proud of you my naughty boy, you’re finally Water Safe, less worries for us when you are out of our sight having successfully completed your water safety class. Happy graduation day,” he wrote on Instagram.
Since his early Monday morning post, the self-taught chef has been trending on Twitter, with over 5000 tweets being made about him, with netizens sharing mixed reactions.
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Athletics Kenya (AK) is impressed with the progress made by inferior athletes at the ongoing vacation camp.
The camps are aimed at preparing athletes for the World Under-20 tournament in Cali, Colombia.
AK President Jack Tuwei who was speaking in Kapsumbeiywo All4Running youth camp which is headed by former world
800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei, said he was impressed by the turnout of the youth in colorful camps.
“We have 26 camps across the country and we are happy because they are training well thanks to the government who have helped in funding them. As a federation we shall do our part and make sure we get some of the best from these camps,” Tuwei said.
Kenya will be seeking to retain the title for the younger team for the third time in a row in the tournament set for August after winning in Tampere, Finland in 2018 and again last time in Nairobi.
AK youth head trainer Robert Ngiserei said the early medication will enable the country to present a strong platoon across the all events.
“At the Youth Sub Committee, we have embraced this program as it will help us improve more on the development of talent which will ensure our country remains as an athletics powerhouse,” Ngiserei said.
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