UEFA Champions League winner plotting to take over Football Kenya Federation lauds Russia fixture

Former Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga has become the latest aspirant to succeed Nick Mwendwa as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president when elections are called in 2024.

The 36 year-old retired footballer has been canvassing for support from former players as he plots a way into the troubled Kandanda House.

Mariga has unsuccessfully vied for Kibra Parliamentary seat in two occasions but feels time is ripe for a take over of the football federation.

He took the opportunity to laud Sunday evening’s international friendly match between Kenya and Russia saying the national team needed such caliber of opposition.

“Playing a team in the stature of Russia and Qatar the other time is very good for the growth of our national side. Russia is a great side despite their current troubles and going toe to toe with them is a real confidence booster to our boys,” Mariga told Twiga

“We should make it a policy to always seek ranked way above us in every sphere. A good return from such outings give the national team great positives that they otherwise would not get if they played small teams,” he added

He is the latest to throw his hat in a ring teeming with seasoned football administrators. Incumbent Nick Mwendwa retains ambitions for a 3rd term while his aspirants wait to block his bid in corridors of justice.

Extreme Sports founder Hussein Mohammed has also emerged as a strong candidate and has already converted a large swathe of Nick Mwendwa’s loyalists to his camp with a former high ranking member of Mwendwa’s secretariat now heading Mohammed’s backroom.

Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola is another candidate on the campaign trail for FKF presidency as is ex K’Ogalo player Sammy Owino Kempes.