McDonald Mariga has begun his FKF vice presidency with bold reforms, focusing on player welfare, youth development and Kenya’s AFCON preparations.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president McDonald Mariga has hit the ground running in his first 37 days in office setting the stage for what could be a transformative era for Kenyan football.
The former Harambee Stars midfielder, who made history as the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010, is now tasked with bringing the same winning mentality to football administration.
His appointment under FKF president Hussein Mohammed has already sparked optimism among players and stakeholders, with many hopeful that his firsthand experience as a professional footballer will drive much-needed reforms.
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The Kenyan government has been urged to take advantage of the CHAN postponement to fast-track renovation work at Kasarani and Nyayo.
Among those championing this belief is James Situma, the former Harambee Stars defender and current president of the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA).
“Having Mariga in leadership is promising,” Situma shared in an interview with NTV.
“I’ve played with him on the national team, and he understands the struggles players face, like attending national team assignments without allowances. Now, he’s in a position to influence meaningful change.”
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Mariga’s rise to FKF’s second-in-command comes at a critical time when the federation is under pressure to restore credibility after years of turmoil under the previous administration.
His background as a top-flight footballer in Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga places him in a unique position to bridge the gap between players and management, ensuring their concerns are addressed.
One of his immediate challenges is preparing Harambee Stars for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
With Kenya drawn in a tough Pool A alongside Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, expectations are high.
Many Kenyan fans have voiced concerns about their chances, considering DRC and Morocco’s strong history in the tournament. However, Mariga remains confident in Kenya’s ability to compete against Africa’s best.
“I think our group is the pool of death because it has big teams, but we, as Harambee Stars, will be prepared,” the FKF vice president said.
His belief in the squad is reinforced by Kenya’s solid record against Morocco at home, a fact he hopes will inspire both players and fans ahead of the continental showdown.
Beyond the senior team, Mariga is also keen on strengthening Kenya’s youth football structures.
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Recent milestones, such as the U-17 women’s team qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup and the U-20 men’s team securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON, underscore the country’s untapped potential.
He has emphasized the need for consistent investment in grassroots tournaments and youth academies to create a sustainable talent pipeline.
The first 37 days of his tenure have been a mix of laying the groundwork for long-term reforms while addressing pressing issues such as player welfare, youth development, and international competition.
His ability to deliver on these fronts will be the true test of his leadership.
