Kenya will need luck to reach Qatar 2022 Spire

Kenya will need luck to reach Qatar 2022  Spire

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Technical Director Andreas Spire has said the country has covered considerable ground in its bid to catch up with the continent’s best.

Spire however admitted that as things stand Kenya will have to rely on little bits of luck to qualify for major international football showpieces such as the 2022 World Cup.

The FKF, which has announced it will not renew the Germans contract when it elapses at the end of June, has qualifying for the Qatar 2022 as part of its agenda but Spire only fell short of mention it is an over-ambition.

“I’m a realist, it’s difficult but with a bit of luck Kenya can pull surprises. Many countries in the world recognized the importance football long ago and took it seriously and made massive investments.

“For countries that are realizing the secrets of the industry now, it may take time to bridge the gaps although anything is possible,” he said.

Spire’s two-year contract ends at the close of the month and FKF has indicated the initial option of extension will not be considered.

Primarily, the TD appears content with the decision saying the decision if 100 percent in order.

“It is a decision arrived at by both parties (him and FKF). The two years I signed are over and we agreed that, not more,” Spire said.

The widely travelled football administrator noted projects and gains made during his tenure will be felt with time as he called for deliberate continued action on the blueprint he has helped lay.

“There is a lot to count, a lot of improvement. Spearheading coaching courses and licensing 2,500 new coaches at the grassroots, establishing well structured national Under-13, 15, 17 and 20 teams and Centers of Excellence is phenomenal, least to say,” substantiated Spire.

Further, the TD said Kenya’s Women Football both in the national team and organization of the league has significantly improved in the last two years with his sentiments coming at a time Harambee Starlets are just a draw away to qualifying for the African Women Cup of Nations set for Ghana, in September.

“I came around with high expectations, because I could see the desire in the federation to lay a new foundation for Kenya’s football. I think with the conditions that I understand better now than I did when I came, FKF supported my projects to their level best,” he said.

Though coy to disclose his next destination, Spire, who declared love for Kenya in matters outside football, hinted he is taking a new role elsewhere soon.

“It’s not ready for the public, at the right time Kenyans will know. I have enjoyed myself here, my biggest pride being the good relations I maintained with my employer and all stakeholders throughout,” he concluded.

It is a requirement by world football governing body FIFA for the developing nations to hire a qualified Technical Director, as a show of commitment to football development.

At his hiring, Mwendwa said FIFA wanted part of the grants FKF receives from them invested in a TD.

So far, FKF has yet to reveal the German’s successor.

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FKF Football Kenya Federation Andreas Spires

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