Raila Odinga has extended his handshake to retired footballers across the country when he met with them at today; expressing the suffering such greats go through.
The former Prime minister, who started his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta a month ago, he hosted legendary footballers, urging the president end the state of suffering lives.
Leading the handshake was legendary Joe Kadenge, former Harambee Stars coach Marshal Mulwa, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, Mahmmoud Abass, Victor Onyango, John ‘Shoto’ Lukoye, Josiah Ougo, George Waweru, James Ojiambo and Swaleh Oswayo.
Speaking on behalf of retired footballers, Kadenge said the finest footballer of the country have never been recognized.
“Kenya has produced great footballers and the ex internationals have been ignored despite playing a pivotal role in putting Kenyan football on the world map,” said Kadenge well known for his Kadenge Na Mpira fame.
He added that the current crop of Kenyan footballers are enjoying the fruits of their labour.
“Community football is the way to go in building passion for the game. Our new working relationship with President Uhuru will be extended to football from the management to the playing level,” Raila remarked.
The retired internationals recently formed the Sports Stars Foundation with an aim of empowering sportsmen after their active years in sports with former Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyawmeya as the patron.
The foundation, which is open to all sportsmen across all disciplines, is mooting a grand plan of forming a Savings and Credit Association in the future to financially help the sportsmen.