In summary
•Urges coach to embrace positive criticism
•Downplays match fixing allegations on Kenya V’s Iran match
•Arocho has parted ways with Radio Jambo after 14 years of service
Veteran sports journalist and former soccer star Fred Arocho has stated that Kenyans have a right to criticize Harambe Stars Coach,Engin Firat while he dispenses his duties with the national team.
The former defender made the statement during an online interview maintaining that the coach shouldn’t be emotional when the public and football stakeholders take him to account adding that they’re his employer’s.
“The coach needs kutoa wrong attitude sa ile tunamkosoa kama wanahabari anajam,anajam nini?sisi kazi yetu ni kumkosoa hatuwezi kuwa tunampigia magoti kila wakati so coach lazima ajue kwamba yeye sisi ndio tumemwandika ‘we as kenyans’ so we have to criticize his moves” Asserted Arocho
He went ahead and gave a recent scenario when Firat fumed after being criticized for his selection criteria,many football lovers were irked when the national team coach omitted Gor Mahia’s talisman Benson Omala from the squad.
“Kabla aende Iran alipiga kelele akakereka akakereka, it’s not in his place kwanza kukereka sisi ndio waajiri wake,tukishinda tutamsifu tukipoteza lazima tumkosoe” Explained Arocho partly.
Downplays Match Fixing Claims
Barely a week ago,the national team was on an international assignment playing against Iran away, the result was not convincing as Kenya conceded two goals against one.
Football pundits alleged that the game was ‘sold’ with the kenyan keeper Patrick Matasi put on the spot for allowing ‘easy goals’ something which Arocho has termed as normal citing the custodian’s ‘bad day in office’
“Hayo ni madai tu jamani football kununua mechi ni ngumu kwa mtu ambaye amecheza mpira ataelewa buying a match in football is not easy,mechi kama ile kubwa ukiangalia golikipa wetu Patrick Matasi the first 17 minutes alikuwa na three good saves kama hiyo match ilikuwa imeuzwa angewachilia…pale aliteleza tu umenipata” He continued
According to Arocho, what has been ailing the national team is lack of proper structures and bias in team selection something he says has since been rectified.And despite Harambe Stars poor run he’s optimistic of the tide changing.
Recently Arocho was poached from Radio Jambo to Radio 47 after 14 years of service.While thanking his former employer, Arocho has not only termed it growth but also a move to greener pastures.
By Steve Osaka.
