New Kenya Sports Minister challenges football chiefs to improve Stars' rankings

Sep 21, 2012 7:41:00 PM

The new Minister says Kenya's current position in the World Fifa ranking is "unacceptable" and asks FKF officials to make sure they improve on the same

Newly appointed Kenya Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba has challenged Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to improve on the performances and rankings of the national soccer team, Harambee Stars.

Namwamba was addressing journalists after officially assuming office following a short handing over ceremony that involved outgoing Minister Paul Otuoma.

"The current Harambee Stars FIFA rankings are unacceptable. Kenya once occupied the number 67 position (on FIFA rankings), we deserve to be there or thereabout."

Over the past one year, the national soccer team was eliminated from the 2012/2013 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers and performed dismally at the regional CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Tanzania.

The team has made a slow start to the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, losing to Namibia after an opening barren draw with Malawi.

This results saw the national soccer team slip to a lowly 126th position on the FIFA rankings. FKF however, responded by hiring former French and Ivory Coast Henri Michel in a bid to improve the performance.

Meanwhile outgoing Minister Otuoma revealed that he harbors regrets in not doing enough to improve the standards of football in the country during his two year reign.

"Its unfortunate that we have not seen the results from the national soccer team, even after working so hard to streamline that discipline. However, am sure that my colleague (Namwamba) will take over and continue with the same spirit in trying to improve the sector."

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