The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Transition Committee has announced plans to retrain former national team players as match commissioners, aiming to address their financial hardships while enhancing football development. Committee member Ali Amour emphasized the initiative's goal to provide former Harambee Stars players with structured opportunities to transition into officiating roles.
"Our mission is to restore football's lost glory by creating systems that support ex-players," Amour stated. "Many of them face poverty despite their contributions, and this program will offer them stable employment and a pathway to utilize their expertise." The committee plans to train veterans in technical match management, including compliance with regulations and venue coordination.
Amour highlighted the stark contrast between Kenyan and overseas players, noting that corporate investment remains limited due to administrative accountability issues. "We aim to close loopholes that have led to resource mismanagement," he added.
Kenya Welfare Footballers Association (KEFWA) President James Situma praised the initiative, stating it would leverage former players' managerial skills to elevate the sport. "This long-overdue measure addresses both football development and the plight of aging players," he said.
Ex-player Joram Roy, who played in the 1960s and 1970s, criticized the lack of recognition for past contributions. "Football wasn't lucrative then, but our efforts shaped the game," he said. The committee also plans to deploy veteran experts across Kenya's 47 counties to strengthen grassroots football.
Match commissioners oversee game logistics, including venue readiness and conflict resolution. Amour, a 1987 national title winner with Itierio Boys, cited historical teams like Shabana FC as examples of past talent now in need of support.
