Napsa Stars and Harambee Stars defender David Owino is happy Kenya’s nine-month FIFA suspension is lifted but is still sad they have missed out on the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
FIFA lifted Kenya’s suspension last Thursday that it slapped on the East African nation in February due to government interference in the running of the FA.
The development saw Kenya forfeit its spot in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers that began in June.
FIFA BAN WAS HARD
“I think it is good for the players. It has been nine months without a league back home, no CAF competitions, and no FIFA games. I think it was a bit hard for the players, and we thank God that the ban has been lifted,” Owino told FARPost.
“Now, the players will start competing again. It was bad for football in the country and the game as well.
“Everyone wants to compete in the biggest competitions in Africa and qualify for AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.
“And if you are not playing, it isn’t good for the players as well. It is good that they have solved everything so we can start competing again.”
But Owino believes Kenyan football will make a slow but gradual recovery from the FIFA suspension.
“I think it will take a bit of time as you saw the Kenyan league was not running, but now the house is in order,” Owino said.
BRING BACK FOOTBALL
“As the national team, we have learnt the hard way now that the ban has been lifted.
“Now, all the stakeholders must talk in one language and bring football back to the country.
“As for the young ones, it is time to prove they can play for the country.”
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Owino also addressed the issue of his international career.
“For now, I think I have played enough for the national team, and now I have left it for the young ones to play now,” Owino said.
