Kenya: It’s Home-Stretch Merger As Sholei, Hussein Team Up

Sammy Kitula

13 July 2011

Nairobi — After months of speculation, Hussein Mohammed and Sammy Sholei have joined forces ahead of next month’s Football Kenya national elections.

As per the new working arrangement, Mohammed, who is the Extreme Sport chief executive officer, will be the flag bearer for the chairman’s post while Sholei will be his running mate and vying for the 1st Vice Chairman’s post.

“Today is yet again another landmark moment in the struggle to change how our football is managed.

“I thank Sammy Sholei for his magnanimous gesture,” said Mohammed.

“He has shown genuine and honest leadership throughout his campaigns, and this day confirms the commitment and dedication he has for Kenyan Football.”

Mohammed is credited for his well-organised and successful Super Eight Soccer tournament through his Extreme Sports Company that has discovered many talents like Jerry Santos, who would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

On his part, Sholei is a former Harambee Stars midfielder, who also played for Rivatex FC and Raymonds FC (both now defunct) before moving to Kenya Breweries FC (now Tusker FC).

Sholei was part of the Kenya Breweries FC team that reached the finals of the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 that failed to hang on to a 2-2 away draw to succumb to a shocking 3-0 loss at the hands of Zaire’s DC Motema Pembe in the return tie in Nairobi.

He retired from club and international football in 1997. “In the interest of football, and after a lot of soul searching and wide consultations within our caucus and other stakeholders, I wish to announce today that, I have opted to put my country and the game we all love above personal interests,” said Sholei.

Sholei played in Cup final

“I hereby, wish to declare that I am supporting Hussein Mohammed for the position of chairman during the forthcoming football elections. I shall consequently be vying for the position of First Vice Chairman as Hussein’s running mate.”

The August 13 elections signal a flicker of hope because the election officials have finally heeded the call of many Kenyans for a unified body, and that those to be elected must have certain qualities, including good academic qualifications, management skills and no agenda other than that pertaining to the quality of football in the country.

According to Independent Electoral Board, each of the eligible clubs will have three votes and will use the same to decide, who becomes the next national officials of the federation.

And, as a break from the past, all the elections at the national, branch and sub-branch for the various positions shall all be conducted on the same day, at the sub branch.

Previously, clubs were only voting for officials at the sub-branch and branch levels, with and delegates voted going on to pick officials at the national office.

Others who have shown interest in the chairmanship include; Sam Nyamweya, Mohammed Hatimy, Twaha Mbarak and Ambrose Rachier.

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