FKF set to unveil Football Hall of Fame and welfare programs for retired players

The FKF has announced bold steps to honour and support retired footballers, including the launch of a Football Hall of Fame and the establishment of welfare programmes aimed at easing the transition of players into life after retirement.

Speaking during the unveiling of Dennis Oliech as the Pamoja Brand Ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the federation was keen on preserving the legacy of former footballers and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.

“At the end of this year, we are going to operationalize the Hall of Fame, where as a Federation we will archive and document the history of all footballers that have played for our country.”

In addition to immortalizing Kenyan football heroes, FKF president outlined a plan to support retired players through structured financial and professional development programs.

“We will also put in place measures to ensure that the players who have retired will have some pension or Sacco that will be able to take care of their needs as they transition into other careers within the football ecosystem.”

The federation also intends to create new opportunities within the football system to absorb and benefit former players, acknowledging the critical role they can play in mentoring young talent and contributing to the game off the pitch.

“We will create opportunities for former footballers to benefit within the football ecosystem,” he said.

As part of improving their involvement in current football affairs, Mohammed further assured that retired players will be given special privileges during local football events.

“Moving forward, all former players will get preferential seats. You will get accreditation so that you can attend football games without any hustle. You’ll get season tickets.”

These measures come after recent uproar on the difficulties that former players and managers face after retirement, most recently former Harambee Stars coach Tom Olaba.

The tactician was in charge of Harambee Stars in 2006 has raised concern of not being able to afford regular physiotherapy sessions following a spinal cord surgery that left him paralyzed.