Former Harambee stars head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has endorsed FKF presidential candidate Sammy Kempes Owino ahead of the December 7 polls.
Ghost says he has always kept off football politics but he now feels it’s his responsibility to help shape the future of the game now by asking delegates to make the right decisions.
“I have been in football circles for almost over three decades and as a coach, I feel it’s high time I added my voice to the game," said Mulee
Ghost believes Kempes has the best manifesto and blueprint to take Kenyan football to the next level, having played the game and is a qualified coach who has invested in football.
Owino who was nick-named Kempes after the great Argentinean football legend Mario Kempes, due to his prowess on the pitch played football locally in the 1970s and 1980s, for Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars before heading to the USA on a football scholarship.
“I have nothing against the other candidates but I chose Kempes because he understands the football business and he is coming back to give back to the game that gave him alot. Kempes has academies in the USA, loves his country and he is also an honest person unlike most football stakeholders who are liars," said Ghost
Ghost’s sentiments come at a time when campaigns are heading to a homestretch.
94 are delegates set to decide the winner on the ballot at Kasarani Gymnasium on Saturday.
Kempes is flanked by running mate Evance Kadenge and has gained support from former Kenyna internationals among them Gor Mahia legend Bobby Ogola John Bobby Ogolla, Elly Adero, Richard Madegwa, Robert Matano and Sammy Sholei among others.
Meanwhile, Kempes says Kenyan football has suffered over the years, something he wants to change given the chance.
"Our football is in shambles, which is why we are lagging behind in ranking and we can’t even qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. There is so much that needs to be done to restore the glory days of Kenyan football, and I believe the first step is getting the goodwill from corporations to sponsor the game.
Kempes will be up against seven others namely Doris Petra, Hussein Mohamed, Barry Otieno, Tom Alila, Toto Shimayula, and Sam Ochola as they seek to replace outgoing Nick Mwendwa.
The coach who juggles as a Radio presenter at Radio Jambo, has had three stints with the national team as coach and technical director and was the last local coach to lead Kenya to the African Cup of Nations in 2004.
Meanwhile, FKF electoral board chairman Hesbon Owila says Saturday‘s highly anticipated presidential elections, will be successful, with everything ready.
“I believe the peaceful regional elections were a mirror of the upcoming Saturday polls, we expect to do a dry run today, and ensure everything is ready by Saturday.”
Around 92 delegates will make the big decision, on who takes over the reins.
