Football Kenya Federation presidential candidate Hussein Mohammed (left) presents his running mate, ex-Kenya international McDonald Mariga at Kempinski Hotel, Nairobi on October 12.
Hussein Mohamed made his name in football through a popular grassroots tournament called ‘Super Eight’.
The annual tournament, sponsored by a company called Extreme Sports, was launched in 2004 and involves more than 100 grassroots teams of young players who are given the chance to showcase their talent, which could lead to them playing football at a higher level.
In fact, many players in Kenya's top flight and the second-tier National Super League have been identified and nurtured through the Super Eight tournament. Innocent Mutiso, Jerry Santos and Francis Thairu are some of the big names to have featured in the Super Eight tournament before playing in the Kenyan Premier League.
Chris Ochieng of Gor Mahia, Lewis Ochieng of Bandari FC, Kacy Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Andrew Kisiulu (Nairobi City Stars), Keith Imbali (Kariobangi Sharks) and South Africa-based Brian Bwira all honed their skills in ‘Super Eight’ tournament. The founder of the tournament, Hussein Mohamed, is now seeking to be the president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
FKF elections will be held on Saturday, December 7, at Kasarani, with the president’s seat also being contested by incumbent FKF vice president Doris Petra, ex-FKF NEC member Chris Omimo, ex-FKF CEO Barry Otieno, Kakamega Homeboyz owner and chairman Cleophus Shimanyula, Gor Mahia secretary Sammy Ochola and one-time FKF NEC member Tom Alila.
Hussein, 47, will be making a second stab at the FKF presidency. He vied in 2011 narrowly losing to Sam Nyamweya after garnering 1,183 votes while his rival got 1,461 of the 3,830 valid votes cast.
“I vied in 2011 but it didn’t go my way but this time round we have come up with steps and strategies to win the top seat.
“In 2016 and 2020 there were no elections but endorsements. This time we have to fix it. I just couldn’t stay away and watch our football continue to ail. That is why I’m vying,” said Hussein.
The Muranga Seal vice president said he had learnt the tricks of winning the polls and it is only a matter of time before he fulfils his dream of turning around Kenyan football. Incidentally, his running mate, former international McDonald Mariga played in the Super Eight tournament together with equally illustrious brother Victor Wanyama
Hussein has urged delegates to picture the dire situation of Kenyan football and make wise decisions on the ballot.
The businessman said grassroots football and infrastructural development were so dear to him and as soon as he sets foot at Kandanda House, the first thing he will do is to start implementing his strategy, particularly in the two areas.
“It is almost impossible to commercialize football without infrastructure. Revenue is generated via infrastructure and it is through the facilities where revenue is got through gate collections, advertising and marketing, building brands, and broadcast rights that help football grow,” he said.
“I will champion and rally partners to create a kitty to consolidate funds from partners to build stadiums. Each county will have two good stadiums with one having a capacity of between 3,000-5,000 for grassroots teams while for the national competitions we shall have a 10,000-capacity,” he said.
Kenya’s’ Harambee Stars were forced to play their 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in Uganda and South Africa as the country currently lacks a CAF and Fifa-accredited stadium.
Since the federation has no capacity to build infrastructure and other facilities, Mohamed believes the only solution is to work with the government and sponsors to erect them.
The Muranga Seal vice chairman however said this achievement can only come to reality when there is transparency in the federation and that money does not end up in the pockets of a few individuals.
“How can the government and sponsors trust you if you can’t account for funds you have been given? Everybody including sponsors has run away from Kenyan football because the current leadership lacks transparency,” he said.
Still, on grassroots football, Hussein says his track record is there for everyone to see. He cites how Extreme Sports successfully managed the ‘Super Eight’ tournament and assures that Kenya will have good players even as he targets Harambee Stars appearing in the 2030 World Cup.
“The players who can possibly play in the 2030 World Cup are still very young, Most of them are still in school. We have to navigate how this talent will be tapped, pooled together and nurtured so that we have a formidable national team.
“We need to have coaches and scouts who are well-paid to identify, tap and work on these talents. Whenever there are school games, we see a lot of talent and support but where do these players go?” he posed.
He said he would put in place a pathway that would see players transition to the highest level so that Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets can be competitive and victorious in regional, continental and global competitions.
Hussein said his working relationship with Mariga, a former player who plied his trade with many top clubs in Kenya and abroad, means they have enough knowledge to run football.
Hussein, an old boy of Dagoretti High School, was born and bred in Nairobi, in several neighbourhoods including Mathare, Kibera, Korogocho and Eastleigh.
He says he came from a very humble background and the position he has reached in society makes him want to give back to the poor communities where he grew up.
