McDonald Mariga’s Ambitious Blueprint to Transform Kenyan Football in Partnership with Hussein Mohammed
Former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming Kenyan football, following his announcement as Hussein Mohammed’s running mate for the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections.
Mariga, a former Harambee Stars player, is promising to bring professionalism, accountability, and sponsorship into Kenyan football if he and Mohammed are elected in the FKF elections scheduled for December 7. The announcement was made at a vibrant ceremony in Nairobi, attended by footballers, both past and present, alongside political and business leaders.
The duo hopes to secure a victory that will allow them to implement their vision to revitalize Kenyan football. Speaking at the event, Mariga emphasized his understanding of the challenges faced by footballers in the country.
“I have played football at the highest level, so I understand the struggles. Back when we started at Kamukunji High School under coach Peter Orero, we faced many challenges, but football was better managed. Today, things are worse. Our players are struggling financially, they are underpaid, and many cannot cover their basic needs. There is no money in Kenyan football, and the league has lost its value,” Mariga stated.
Partnering with Hussein Mohammed, Mariga is aiming to rebuild the sport from the ground up, beginning with securing sponsorship and demonstrating financial accountability.
“Our plan is to bring sponsorship back into the game, though it won’t happen overnight. We are committed to working hard to win back sponsors. Importantly, we must be transparent and accountable, which has been missing in the current regime. Sponsors need to see how their money is being used,” Mariga added.
He also pledged to give former footballers a larger role in the future of Kenyan football, recognizing their expertise and contributions to the sport.
“We need to involve the legends of Kenyan football. These are the people who brought joy to the country and paved the way for us and others. Their knowledge is invaluable in shaping the future,” Mariga said.
Hussein Mohammed, who has extensive experience from running the grassroots football tournament Extreme Sports for nearly two decades, believes his business acumen, combined with Mariga’s experience, will be key to transforming the sport in the country.
“I have traveled to every corner of this country and witnessed firsthand the challenges Kenyan footballers face. The sport has been mismanaged for too long, but now is the time for a fresh start,” Mohammed remarked.
“Mariga’s background—having played and won major titles like the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League—along with his local and international football connections, will be critical in reshaping Kenyan football.”
With their vision for change, Mariga and Mohammed now face the task of convincing enough delegates to secure victory in the highly competitive FKF elections. They will go up against several prominent figures, including ex-Gor Mahia player Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, former FKF NEC member Tom Alila, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, Gor Mahia secretary general Sam Ochola, former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, and current FKF president Nick Mwendwa, who is seeking a third term.
