She is the only woman who has braved the heat associated with the gunning for the top post in the management of Kenyan football after announcing her aspiration to vie for the post of chairperson in the forthcoming football elections. Elizabeth Shako is ready to give men a run for their money in what has been traditionally viewed as a “men only affair”. She believes in her capabilities and is ready to offer stiff competition to what she terms as “same old type of soccer leaders” in the race.
Shako who is among the few candidates to have been cleared by IEB and KRA officially launched her manifesto in Mombasa on Thursday in a colorful ceremony attended by key football stakeholders in Mombasa .For chairmanship, She will fight it out with extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, Gor Mahia’s Chairman Ambrose Rachier, KFF chairman Sam Nyamweya and current FKL chairman Mohammed Hattimy who also comes from Mombasa.
“Am ready for the challenge that will bring a new hope for our people in Kenya. We have suffered autocracy of poor leadership for decades and it is time for a new dawn.” She said
Shako has been in the management and development of soccer for the past ten years as the director of SOLWODI soccer initiative (Solidarity with women in distress) and part of those who have championed for the development and sober leadership in women soccer. Shako is currently the organizing secretary of the national women soccer league initiative and also the director of SOLASA (Solwodi Ladies Sports Association) that brings together over 21 ladies’ soccer teams across the country.
“We have fought the war from the periphery and I believe it is time for me to make the real change we have been yearning for. I have the experience, I have been there and above all soccer is my passion. I will offer accountability and good governance.” She added.
Shako has promised to offer a new leadership that is transparent and accountable to the people of Kenya. She has also vowed to bring in proper planning that has ailed the leadership of the federation and especially the national soccer team Harambee Stars by engaging a solid program to scout and manage the team/players in a professional manner free of tribalism and corruption.
In her manifesto, Shako has highlighted key features that she believes will bring out the potential and the strength of Kenyan soccer as she strives to take the nation back to international radar within the shortest time possible.
-Ensure Kenyans get a new soccer constitution. A constitution that will serve generations with better structures and policies.
-Draw a five years strategic plan that will govern planning and attract partners/sponsors
-To improve the structures of soccer development in all areas including: main national team, women soccer, youth development structures, beach soccer among others.
-Set up modern youth soccer development centers across the country equipped with modern equipment to avoid over dependence on Nairobi.
-Ensure all branches and Sub Branches have soccer offices and secretariats to serve the people anytime, all times.
-Establish youth soccer development initiatives and establishment of income generating programs for the youth. This will help teams in the villages become self sustainable and stop over reliance on handouts and sponsorship.
– Set up exchange programs with well established academies and soccer institutions across the world.
-Have quarterly reports from all officials right fro the Sub branches to the national office where all officials will be required to analyze and assess their input and performance.
-Set up a special committee to manage the national soccer team Harambee stars.
-Have a proper consistent scouting system for the national soccer team Harambee stars that will be free from corruption and tribalism.
Shako travels to Nairobi on Thursday night for the scheduled Big debate where all the aspiring leaders are expected to answer questions from key football stakeholders in the country.
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