Why Francis Kimanzi is a worried man

A worried Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi on Monday implored the government to facilitate the speedy return of football activities in the country.

This follows the release of government guidelines for the resumption of sports last Friday that extended a ban on all contact sports, including football amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In the guidelines released by Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed, non-contact sports such as athletics, golf, cricket, badminton, archery, and motorsport were allowed to resume under strict protocols.

Kimanzi argued that athletes affected by the CS's latest directive would not only lose fitness and form, but also miss out on opportunities to effectively compete in international competitions.

“We understand the pandemic has brought with it a crisis in sports and other fields,” said Kimanzi.

Organised sports activities were suspended in March in Kenya after the first case of the coronavirus was reported in the country.

“But if we plan properly, and with guidance from the government, then it is possible to play football. Staying for six months without playing is a long period for any professional footballer,” said Kimanzi.

“We have important engagements lined up and as it stands we need at least a month to prepare for them. I am not sure if our foreign-based players will be allowed to come here and play."

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) last month approved the resumption of both the 2021 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers and 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification matches. These two competitions were halted in March.

Stars are scheduled to face Comoros at home and away on November 9 and 17 respectively, in rescheduled Nations Cup qualifiers matches.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has planned an international friendly match against Zambia's Chipolopolo in Nairobi on October 10.

Kenya posted identical one-all draws away to Egypt and at home to Togo last year, as Kimanzi's charges bid to qualify for the continental football showpiece in Cameroon next year for a successive time.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa recently announced the federation had made plans for football to resume this month and the leagues next month. 

The Sports CS assured athletes her Ministry would work round the clock to ensure Kenyan teams participated in international engagements.

“The Commissioner of Sports will work with national teams and athletes representing Kenya in international events to advise and guide on national and international compliance of Covid-19 regulations before departure and re-entry into the country," she noted.