By Frederick Naduli,

Dear Nick,

Well done for throwing your hat in the ring in what promises to be a tough national football election.

The battle lines are drawn. It is a crowded field featuring former footballers, the sly incumbent, aspiring politicians and johnny-come-latelies. With all due respect to your very worthy opponents, a sixth sense stubbornly tells me you are the panacea Kenyan football has craved for eons on end.

Your homework is done and dusted. The crown is on your young head, waiting for the coronation. Lest I am mistaken because this will eventually find its way into the public domain, I do not hold brief for anyone.

Before they throw me under the bus, let them be informed that I aint a loaded gun for hire. Your zeal and drive puts you at an advantage over the chasing pack.

WORK CUT OUT

All said and done, the hard part begins. Your first 100 days in office will give a sneak preview of what we are in for as a football nation.

Nick, your maiden task will be to adopt the national soccer team that has for long been an orphan. With your wide networks, get the Harambee Stars a serious sponsor.

This country should be spared the ignominy of unpaid allowances, flight tickets not reimbursed and lately, allegations of overseas-based professionals getting stuck after national assignments.

As much as these players are patriotic Kenyans, they are the property of clubs where they ply their craft.

Get youth structures up and running. World over, there is no future without young people. If all levels of national youth teams is too much to ask, get at the very least an U-21 side that gathers and trains twice a week, to act as a feeder to the senior team going forward.

Harmonise working relations with the KPL to strengthen the league, which has taken a battering in a supremacy war that has stagnated the game.

Get local Coaches training opportunities to be in tandem with the rigours of the modern game. This will rub off on clubs and eventually the national side. Before it escapes me, rid yourself of stereotypes and hang-arounds who come with unwanted baggage. Previous administrations have had hordes of these.

DIE IS CAST

Having somewhat huffed and puffed against ‘part-timers’ Mauritius, our next port of call is Cape Verde. This used to be an easy prospect, not anymore, just ask Cameroon.

The elections will ironically coincide with this fixture. Here’s to hoping that the country will have a dose of double joy come November 13.

Go for it Nick.

N/B The writer is a former Kenyan International

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com