Kenya FA addresses financial concerns after McCarthy’s arrival

President of the Football Kenya Federation [FKF] Hussein Mohammed has reassured Kenyans that the incoming technical team led by Benni McCarthy will not experience payment issues as his predecessor did.

The Bafana Bafana all-time top goal scorer was officially unveiled as coach of Harambee Stars on a two-year deal on Monday.

He is joined by Vasili Manousakis as his assistant, Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeepers coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst. In December last year, then-coach Engin Firat stepped down from his role due to non-payment of salaries.

But speaking at the official unveiling of the 47-year-old in Nairobi on Monday, Mohammed assured McCarthy and his technical team that issues of non-payment are in the past.

ISSUES OF NON-PAYMENT ARE A THING OF THE PAST AS BENNI MCCARTHY ARRIVES

“I know we have a little bit of history on this issue, but we are confident that we have the right commitment from our government,” said Mohammed, who came to power in December.

“I am reassured that we will not be dealing with the same situation or the problems that we had in the past. We are working very well with the current government. They are all aligned on this recruitment. I know we will not have this challenge in the future.

“The responsibility of the national team is with the government across the world. It’s not unique to Kenya. Governments usually take care of the bill when it comes to facilitating the national teams. So it’s not any different here.

WHY THE FOOTBALL KENYA FEDERATION OPTED FOR EX-BAFANA BAFANA STRIKER

Mohammed also explained why they opted for the former Manchester United striker coach.

“He’s one of those players and now one of those coaches who has something to prove. He has shown his passion,” explained Mohammed.

“From the interaction we have had with him when we were talking to different coaches during this process, Benni came across as an individual who really has the passion for it. He is as Kenyan as it can get. He is African, and he understands our culture.”

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