Former players should do more than wait for token appointments in football management

The expulsion of Nick Mwendwa from the helm of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the subsequent installment of the Caretaker Committee at the beginning of November elicited questions on suitability of former players to take up such roles.

It is appalling that not a single player is remotely close to consideration for the FKF presidency, via the ballot or even state appointment. There is a school of thought that former players are the rightful heirs to leadership positions left vacant for one reason or the other but how true is that?

Have they done enough to ensure they fit in boardrooms after playing their careers?

On December 11, 2021, the internet was awash with congratulatory messages after former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Samuel Eto'o was elected the Cameroon FA president.

In October this year, former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov failed in his bid to become the Bulgarian Football Union President, losing to Borislav Mihaylov who has held on to the role for a while now.

Closer to home, Didier Drogba attempted to vie for the presidency of the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) presidential election but was ruled out for not receiving enough nominations.

Earlier in November, former Harambee Stars Captain Dennis Oliech made some comments that he later came out to clarify that his sentiments were misinterpreted.

In the initial video that went viral across most, if not all, sporting circles, he was asking the Sports Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohammed to consider former players in administrative roles at the Football Kenya Federation Caretaker Committee.

To some people, and specifically with me, the comments did not auger so well. It appeared like he was pleading for roles at the expense of going for them.

Often, former footballers in Kenya talk about understanding the dynamics of the game and what players in the country go through.

However, they rarely toss themselves in when the opportunities to vie for positions in which they can influence the game to arise.

Former players, by virtue of being athletes, should not shy away from competing for administrative positions all in an attempt to make football great. They know everything about winning and losing, and thus the nature of the outcome should be something to worry them a lot.

By raising their voices, speaking about their plans for the local game, and by interacting with the candidates in such positions, they are in a place to champion for better and air the grievances of those that came after them.

However, as much as we are talking about former footballers going for those roles, we should ask ourselves how ready they are to lead.

A good footballer does not automatically make a good leader or coach for that matter. There are former footballers who were very good in their playing days but they cannot thrive under a leadership or coaching role. They were just that: Good footballers. There are also very good coaches and football administrators who perhaps never had the chance to play football at the top levels but they have positioned themselves to fit in the game and impact future stars.

Some of these things will not come instinctively. The so-called former players need to align themselves with the tide to avoid being swept away into oblivion.

Leadership courses and workshops in between their playing careers, or just at the extreme end of their careers will come in handy when the time to delve into the murkier administration waters comes.

We have very many former players who we think would make good administrators, but have they shown their interests? What have they done to ensure that they position themselves perfectly for such opportunities?

Perhaps, if it happens, it will not happen overnight. It will take time. It will only happen if they want it to happen. If they show the intent.

The more the merrier. Instead of having players come together and pick one to represent them, how interesting would it be to see up to three going for the FKF presidency at some point, with a backing on leadership and a succinct blueprint, as opposed to riding on the ‘former players’ card.

What we should not allow is the feeling of entitlement that by virtue of being former players they should be given administrative roles, let them fight and position themselves for those. Let them compete. We will have options.

Over to you, former players.