We need new leaders, says sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario

Dr Hassan Wario, left, Minister for Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture dodge with the ball during U14 Shamas Rugby Team courtesy call nat British High Commissioners residence in Nairobi ahead of their UK tour on Wednesday, November 12th, 2014. Photo/Jonah Onyango

Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario has called for the emergence of new sports administrators who will take the continent to higher places.

In a speech read on his behalf by Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch at the closing of the New Managers Programme at Strathomore University, Wario complained that so many officials have overstayed in leadership positions of associations yet they continue to make no impact.

“There is an urgent need for emergence of new, dynamic sports leaders across the continent,” said Wario yesterday.

The programme is run by Strathmore University in conjunction with Wits University and is sponsored by SuperSport. It imparts knowledge to sports administrators from across different African countries.

The minister pointed out that without renewal at the leadership level, there is a danger of the continent staying behind.

“The dreams of our rising sportsmen and women need to be fulfilled. We need to overcome all the challenges that hinder this. We need to achieve renewal,” he added.

He challenged the new graduates to take charge of initiatives that will set the continent on the path to build success in sport globally.

“There is need for fresh ideas. There is need for leadership with vision and foresight. There is need to take over the spear and to lead African sport into the global stage.”

The Cabinet secretary further called for efforts to retain talent on the continent through professionalism.

He pointed out that it was a sad state of affairs for talented African sports men and women to go out of the continent in pursuit of success and a career.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, SuperSport East Africa General Manager Auka Gacheo pointed out that the programme has helped to empower many sports administrators on the continent.

“We will continue to support this programme because we have seen the value it has added in empowering sports administrators,” he said.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 7 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known