By Shadrack Nyakoe
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has been lauded for his instrumental role in the Kenya Junior Starlets’ qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Noordinne Taib, former national treasurer of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF), attributed this success to the Talanta Hela initiative launched by Ababu Namwamba early last year.
Taib, also the founder of the Langata Kiko Cup age-group tournament, emphasized that Talanta Hela was crucial in scouting young talents across various secondary schools, which significantly contributed to the team’s breakthrough.
“This initiative by Ababu Namwamba has shown remarkable results, and its impact cannot go unnoticed,” said Taib.
He also acknowledged Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for assembling the team and preparing it for the qualifiers but insisted that Namwamba’s contributions were fundamental to their success.
“Ababu’s hands-on approach came after the senior team, Harambee Starlets, withdrew from the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers due to internal conflicts,” he added.
Taib criticized the federation for its lack of patriotism, which led to Uganda receiving a walkover in the qualifiers.
The FKF had been dissolved by the government over financial mismanagement, resulting in the arrest of its president, Nick Mwendwa.
This turmoil hampered the federation’s ability to prepare for international matches.
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