PRESS RELEASE:

The Government of Kenya, together with Football Kenya Federation, would like to take the earliest opportunity to thank the national football team, Harambee Stars, for the gallant performance following the 1 – 0 win over Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup™ Russia 2018 Qualification match at Nyayo National Stadium.

We know it is only the first leg of a two-legged qualifier, with the return match scheduled to be played in Praia, Cape Verde, on Tuesday.

But the victory on Friday, achieved against the backdrop of well-documented challenges, is testimony that as a country we have the talent to compete against some of the best teams on the continent and beyond. Indeed, today, the Harambee Stars and the entire technical bench demonstrated they are ready to play for the national colours in defense of their motherland.

The team, with the backing of a vociferous Kenyan support, epitomized the words and the spirit of the four stanzas of our national anthem. FKF and the government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, once again salutes the boys for their brilliant display.

Sadly, though, mzee Katana breathed his last this week and one wishes he were alive today to hear the rending of the anthem which he helped piece together ahead of kick-off.

FKF and the government, therefore, we have reciprocated by releasing the funds to take care of the players’ and technical bench’s allowances for the preliminary matches against Mauritius and the matches against Cape Verde. In addition, the monies to refund all expenses incurred by overseas-based players in respect of air tickets for the two matches; funds which will be paid in full tomorrow, Saturday, November 14th 2015.

We would like to place on record that the government and the federation are also working around the clock to ensure all logistics for the return leg in Cape Verde are up to date and the team travels on time for the crucial fixture to be played in Praia next Tuesday.

We are fully behind the team and are at the disposal of Football Kenya Federation in their endeavour to prosecute the crucial away leg so as we qualify for the Group stages of the Road to Russia 2018.

Football Kenya Federation takes this opportunity to thank the Government through the Ministry of Sports Culture and the Arts, for the timely support in settling the players’ allowances and ticket refunds and will continue to work with the able office of Cabinet Secretary – Dr Hassan Arero Wario, who has tirelessly worked to ensure approval and subsequent release of the player allowances.

We ask for prayers of the entire nation and messages of goodwill as the national team departs to Cape Verde for the important return leg.

Once again, HONGERA HARAMBEE STARS!

FKF MEDIA

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com