Government Pledges KSh50 Million If Stars Dim Ethiopia
12th October 2018
Deputy President William Ruto said a team bus will be provided by the State next month
- National team, Harambee Stars, will receive KSh 50million if they beat Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in the 2019 AFCON qualifier fixture at Moi International Sport Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday
- Deputy President William Ruto assured that a brand new bus would be available to the team by next month
- The second in command confirmed that the KSh25 million which was needed by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the two-legged fixture against Ethiopia has been released.
- He reiterated that Sports Ministry now has a reason to smile as the Government has committed a special fund to help run sports in the country
NAIROBI,
Kenya- National team, Harambee Stars, will receive KSh 50million if they beat Walya Antelopes of
Ethiopia in the 2019 AFCON qualifier fixture at Moi International Sport Centre,
Kasarani, on Sunday.
Deputy President, William Ruto, who visited the team at the camp at Kasarani on Friday, made the announcement to the players and technical bench.
“This money has been pledged by the Government of Kenya. Kindly fight tooth and nail to win even if it means your legs will remain on this pitch.
“The nation of Kenya is standing with you as you face the opponents. Keep focus and deliver the needed victory. You all have our support and good will in this,”Ruto told the players.
The second in command assured that a brand new bus would be available to the team by next month.He also promised to rally leaders from various Government institutions to throng the stadium to cheer Stars as they take on Ethiopia on Sunday.
Harambee Stars are currently perched at the top of Group F with four points following a win against Black Stars of Ghana at home on September 8, 2018 and a barren draw against Ethiopia away on Wednesday.
Sierra Leone who are also members of the pool,have since been banned by world football governing body, FIFA, over their Government interference.
“This will be a historic moment for Kenya, we have to all be there to witness this great occasion.It is our expectation that the Harambee Stars would grant us victory on the day,” Ruto underlined.
Special funds
At the same time, Ruto confirmed that the KSh25 million which was needed by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the two-legged fixture against Ethiopia has been released.
“We received the association’s plea through Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage, Rashid Echesa, and Permanent Secretary, Peter Kaberia.
“I’m happy to say the money is in the FKF accounts as it was wired yesterday,now the players have no reasons to worry as their allowances would be comfortably taken care of” Ruto highlighted.
He reiterated that Sports Ministry now has a reason to smile as the Government has committed a special fund to help run sports in the country.
He said the new funding would take effect from next month with sole purpose of benefiting Kenyan sportsmen and women directly.
“Through the kitty, the Ministry will gain resources necessary to operate effectively.There is tremendous potential in the local sporting industry that should be tapped and used to profile Kenya across the world positively.
“We strongly believe that sour country can be marketed effectively and our talents, either in football, basketball, athletics or boxing, can be harnessed for commercial purposes,” he underscored.