Former Nzoia FC chairman Evans Kadenge delivering his speech during the AGM | Photo Kefwa|
Zetech University’s main campus in Ruiri was a hive of activity on Tuesday as the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) held its Annual General Meeting, featuring a day of learning and sharing.
Legendary footballers who attended the event offered valuable advice to players, emphasizing the importance of networking and discipline in their careers.
Innocent Mutiso, a former Harambee Stars player, shared his football journey and talked about the “3Cs” formula for success: Character, Communication, and Commitment. Mutiso, an Anti-Doping Officer certified by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), warned against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, citing their severe side effects, and discouraged players from using them. He also stressed the importance of education, highlighting how it aids in transitioning from professional football to other roles.
“Education is a huge part of your progress,” Mutiso said.
Sofapaka FC head coach Robert Matano urged players to work hard and maintain discipline. He used KEFWA President Jemes Situma as an example, noting Situma’s perseverance at City Stars FC despite salary delays and other challenges. Matano encouraged players to be resilient.
Former Nzoia FC chairman Evans Kadenge echoed Mutiso’s call for commitment, urging players to dedicate themselves fully to their careers. Kadenge, who retired from Nzoia chairmanship after serving the club in various roles for four decades, also emphasized the importance of mentorship in leaving a lasting legacy.
He reflected on his late father, the legendary Joe Kadenge, and urged players to embrace accountability, noting that lack of accountability is a major issue in Kenyan football.
Former footballer Athanas Obange praised KEFWA for providing financial literacy to its members. Obange, who played professional football for fifteen years, noted that during his time there were no contracts as seen today—players relied on employment. He encouraged players to take financial literacy seriously, given the short span of football careers.
Obange recounted an incident where a player lost an opportunity to play internationally due to a lack of a passport, which used to cost Ksh. 4000. He also urged players to understand contracts thoroughly before signing and to stand up for their rights.
Obange encouraged players who had not yet registered with KEFWA to do so to strengthen the union.
KEFWA’s twelfth Annual General Meeting was attended by footballers from across the country, partner organizations, and notable figures, including former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee.
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