McCarthy, Sissoko endorse Mariga's bid for FKF office

The FKF Presidential aspirants, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed (left) and former Kenyan international MacDonald Mariga as his running mate has been unveilled for the highly anticipated Football Kenya Federation Presidential election in Dec 7, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former Ajax striker and Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy, and current Watford FC midfielder Moussa Sissoko are among the global beaters who have endorsed MacDonald Mariga's bid to become Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president.

Mariga was unveiled on Friday night in a colourful ceremony in Nairobi as Hussein Mohammed's running mate ahead of the December 7th national football polls.

"We wish the very best for Mariga in his endeavour for the FKF office. As a former footballer, I'm confident he will bring the necessary change needed as he understands the plight of players," McCarthy said in a teleconferenced video.

Sissoko said he strongly believes the former Inter Milan FC midfielder has the potential to revolutionize Kenyan football.

"Kindly give him a chance, grant him the support and see what he can do," highlighted Sissoko.

Mariga's brother, Victor Wanyama who currently features for Canada side CF Montreal in MSL also threw his weight behind the former Harambee Stars midfielder stating: "Mariga has gained exposure in the game, when elected he will bring professionalism into the sport."

While underlining their manifesto, Mariga thanked his family and former teacher and current Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero for being instrumental in his football career.

"My family gave me the atmosphere to pursue my interest in football and Orero unearthed the talent, harnessed and propelled it to greater heights from High School," Mariga told the packed auditorium.

If elected, Mariga says they will work towards attracting sponsors and scouts into the Kenyan leagues. He has promised to honour football legends by letting them be involved in the game so as to motivate and inspire the upcoming generation.

"Football is big, we want everyone to be involved. In our quest to produce the next Marigas, Wanyamas and Oliechs, there is a need to create awareness that budding players need to combine education and talent to succeed in the sport," he said.

Mariga has pledged to uplift women's football in the country and handle it with the seriousness that it deserves. He has also pledged that his partnership with Hussein will review players’ salaries and allowances in the leagues stating that what the Kenyan players take home currently is an insult to the sport.

"We know this race to the office won't be easy but we are very much ready for it," he concluded.

Mariga's candidature was also endorsed by former Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets players.

In their statement, the former Harambee Starlets players led by Esse Akida and Martha Karimi referred to Mariga as a man with a proven track record who is ready to take up responsibilities.

"His journey exemplifies resilience and determination, he will bring in the oomph needed in Kenyan football, and by ensuring that there is a football academy already in Bungoma is a key pointer that he will work towards developing our football infrastructures," they stated.

Ex-Harambee Stars, led by Innocent Mutiso gave reasons why they are supporting the Hussein-Mariga line up centered on theme 'A Fresh Start' stating: "We love Mariga, he is the only Kenyan to have ever won a Scudetto and a Uefa Champions League. This is a great inspiration to the many upcoming players."

"His partnership with Hussein symbolises hope for the country. All we want them to do while in the office is to; improve the general welfare of players, improve our infrastructures, establish strategic partnerships, invest in quality coaching, harness grassroots football and be consistent in running the game."