Nick mwendwa media briefing. [photo/sportika.co.ke]A debt of Sh1.4 million owed to Harambee Stars players by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has drawn a vicious wedge between the two protagonists. An angry group within the player's fraternity has consequently warned FKF to forget any improvements if the debt is not settled and motivation to the squad improved.
In a lengthy 1100-worded email sent to newsrooms, the players have sworn to conspire and let upcoming Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) Senior Challenge Cup slip away. FKF, on the other hand, contends that there is an outstanding debt that will be settled during the CECAFA tournament next month but any increment in allowances must be pegged on performance.
“It is sad that we are currently paid Sh750 per day as allowances. This is so demoralizing and as foreign-based players, we get a flat Sh15,000 on top of the other amount, this is funny. After long flights and a seven-day residential camp, we pocket Sh20,250.”
The email puts newly-appointed Stars coach Paul Put on notice regarding the regional tournament scheduled to kick-off on December 3. “We took over a federation that is USD1.8m (Sh180 million) in debt. But even so, we have managed the team better than previous regimes.
We know that players are owed and we intend to pay them during CECAFA but they must improve performance before demanding for increased wages,” said FKF supremo Nick Mwendwa. The players are, however, adamant that national team remuneration ought to be higher than the current Sh750 offered daily. “The key thing that needs solution is residential allowances. Bonuses come in second. We understand there is a new coach in Kenya.
The truth is that the coach will not succeed much if the issue of motivation is not addressed, this is the plain truth,” the players’ email added. If indeed the email was penned by national team players, it reveals deep underlying issues that need urgent solutions.