Shollei joins race for FKF presidency

Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President Sammy Shollei has declared interest in contesting for the presidency of the football body.

In an interview with Nairobi News, the former Kenya Breweries (now Tusker FC) and Harambee Stars players pledged to improve the standards of the game in Kenya, if elected.

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

“The standards of the game have deteriorated. I am declaring my candidacy so as to be able to rectify that. Football needs someone who is humble and can listen to opinion from across the board, work with several stakeholders because it is a sport of the masses,” Shollei said.

He also blasted current FKF boss Nick Mwendwa, accusing him of, among other things, failing to develop football talent at the grassroots.

“The current federation has blundered in a number of wants and one of them is that they have forgotten grassroots football. Football will always start from the lowest level. I want to turn it upside down,” he said.

PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES

Shollei served as FKF Vice President, under Sam Nyamweya between 2011 and 2016. But he fell out with his boss and was suspended from office before the end of his term.

A IT businessman now joins a crowded field of prospective candidates for FKF’s top seat, including the incumbent Mwendwa, former Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye and former FKF Deputy CEO Herbert Mwachiro.

Gor Mahia CEO Lordvick Aduda, former Governor Moses Akaranga and businessman Steve Mburu have also declared their interests in contesting for the seat.

EPL player names to be replaced with ‘Black Lives Matters’ slogan

English Premier League players have joined in the fight against racism by having their names replaced with the slogan ‘Black Lives Matters’ when top-flight football returns next week.

Many footballers have voiced their support for the movement following two weeks of global protests after the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by a white policeman in Minneapolis, USA.

The idea was reportedly put forward during Thursday’s meeting as clubs laid down final details for next week’s Premier League return.

In a statement released on Friday, EPL confirmed that ‘Black Lives Matter’ will be on the backs of players’ shirts, with the Premier League confirming they will also support those who wish to ‘take a knee’ before kickoff.

“We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed. This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether,” the statement read.

Colin Kaepernick, an NFL quarterback, was the first sports personality to popularise the one knee which has spread across the world.

Protests are still being experienced in various countries following the death of the African American in the hands of Minnesota policemen.

Several statues are also being brought down ending an era of slavery and racism as politicians in America openly disagree with President Donald Trump.

The Bundesliga has also paid its share of support as players including Jadon Sancho taking a knee during the match.