Former Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Calls Out Kenya's Disrespect for Its Football Legends

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Mathews Ottamax has called for better treatment of Kenyan legends ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), scheduled for August 2 to 30.

The tournament is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with the Group A matches scheduled for the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Harambee Stars are in Group A and will kick off their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 before also facing Angola, Zambia and Morocco in other fixtures.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Group B features Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mauritania and Tanzania, with Group C having Algeria, Niger, Guinea, South Africa and Uganda. Group D comprises Congo, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan.

Speaking to Flashscore, Mathews Ottamax insisted that Harambee Stars legends should be treated with dignity, noting that at the moment, most of them are never given the respect they deserve.

He pointed out that the CHAN tournament is another opportunity for the legends to be given the respect they deserve since they not only go there to watch games but also analyse everything happening on the pitch.

Ottamax added that it was shocking to see the country’s longest-serving captain and most capped player with over 90 caps, Musa Otieno, being forced to watch the Kenya vs Gabon fixture at Nyayo Stadium among the Ultras, where he claimed all sorts of delinquents are usually found.

“These former stars don’t just go to the stadium as fanatics, they go there to analyse the games as most are coaches, who need to watch from a tranquil area for future references, and should be accorded better treatment,” he added.

The former AFC Leopards goalkeeper claimed that a visit to the VVIP and VIP sections of Kenyan stadia would reveal they are often filled with the so-called ‘Gonywa Battalion,’ flaunting accreditation tags as they move around aimlessly.

He added that many of them spend their time looking for politicians and end up leaving without even knowing the final score of the match.

“CHAN is here with us, and with the few days remaining, it is my humble plea that the concerned authorities will see the importance of treating their former heroes and heroines with decorum akin to the nostalgic days when we were escorted to pitches like presidents,” he added.

“Forlornly, and in foreign countries, where we sang the national anthem, blinded with trickling tears in readiness to fight for the pride and glory of our country...don’t you think we deserve to smile now?”

Mathews Ottamax emphasised that it is time for leaders in sports departments to prioritise assigning roles to former sportsmen and women whenever the country hosts tournaments, whether they are standalone fixtures or longer competitions.

He argued that these athletes have valuable experience and deserve to be involved in such events. Additionally, he stressed the need to treat them with respect by offering proper recognition and VIP treatment during matches.

“Ex-footballers are very modest, or just call them orderly for lack of a better word, in their approach to matters. They carry themselves with decorum,” he revealed.

“This patience has been mistaken for cowardice, leading to our heroes and heroines in sports to be overlooked even in their own 'birthday parties', as is the case in the CHAN competition that is about to kick off in just over a week across the three East African Nations.”

Matthews Ottamax's heartfelt appeal highlights the urgent need to honour football legends not just in word, but through meaningful involvement and recognition.

As CHAN 2024 approaches, it presents a timely chance for sports authorities to restore dignity to those who once carried the nation’s pride on their shoulders.