Storm brewing as Otieno raises KAFF interference concerns ahead of amputee AFCON

Kenya National Amputee Football Team head coach Dalmas Otieno has raised concerns of interference in the team's preparation for the upcoming Amputee AFCON in Cairo by the Kenya Amputee Football Federation (KAFF).

The team has encountered many challenges during their preparation period, including a lack of sufficient basics such as balls, bibs, and training jerseys, but nonetheless managed to pull through and are now in the final stages of preparations before departing for Cairo.

However, the team has been rocked by what can be considered a scandal after some players, not in coach Otieno’s final squad, were instructed to apply for a visa by KAFF officials while others in the final squad were left out.

The coach also disclosed that he had been replaced without any explanation.

Here is the coach’s statement:

As the head coach of the Kenya National Amputee Football Team, I feel compelled to address several pressing concerns regarding the management and conduct of the Kenya Amputee Football Federation (KAFF).

In August 2023, I was honored to be appointed as head coach for our participation in the All African Games in Ghana, and I have diligently served in this capacity ever since. Throughout this period, my efforts have been strengthened with the assistance of Wycliffe Opondo and goalkeeper trainer Francis Ocholla. Despite repeated attempts to engage with the KAFF Executive for formal introductions of our technical team, we have encountered silence and neglect.

In preparations for the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) scheduled for 18th to the 30th of May 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, we have been in camp training from January 2024 at Parklands Sports Club and Uhuru Sports Complex. During this entire time, none of the Kenya Amputee Football Federation - KAFF officials have attended trainings or met the team. This has been deeply troubling and discouraging. Furthermore, the withholding of essential training equipment by KAFF has exacerbated our challenges. Despite persistent requests for adequate resources such as balls, bibs, and training jerseys, only a fraction of the required equipment has been provided, with the majority languishing unused at the Secretary General's residence.

National team training was conducted with an open invitation to all eligible players, yet some individuals failed to honor their commitment without providing any explanation. This lack of accountability has hindered our team's cohesion and preparation for upcoming competitions.

After four months of rigorous training, I meticulously selected the final squad for the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) assignment. However, I was yesterday dismayed to discover irregularities in the visa application process, with players not included in the final squad being instructed to pursue visas, while deserving members of the team were inexplicably left out.

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Additionally, some of the Kenya Amputee Football Federation executives communicated a change in the technical team, assigning a new head coach two weeks before the tournament, despite my consistent efforts in building a strong and solid national team. As the head coach, I did not receive any official communication from KAFF regarding changes or developments within the federation. This lack of transparency and professionalism is deeply disappointing, especially considering the dedication and resources invested in training the team over the past four months.

Most concerning is the KAFF Executive's failure to hold elections for the past decade, despite repeated efforts to facilitate democratic processes within the federation. This disregard for governance and accountability raises serious questions about the federation's commitment to the welfare and success of the national team.

I urge the Kenya Ministry of Sports, and other relevant stakeholders to take immediate action in addressing these critical issues within the Kenya Amputee Football Federation and prioritize the welfare and future of the Kenya National Amputee Football Team that is currently under jeopardy. Our athletes deserve better support, transparency, and governance from the federation as we strive for excellence on the international stage. As the head coach, I remain steadfast in my dedication to the Kenya National Amputee Football Team and will continue to advocate for the necessary changes to ensure our success.