Harambee Stars in World Cup 2014

Kibaki seeks help from Brazil over Harambee Stars

President Mwai Kibaki is seeking help from Brazil to ensure Harambee Stars features in the next World Cup to be held in Brazil in 2014.

The President, who met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Da Silva at State House Nairobi yesterday, said the two have discussed ways Kenya can partner with Brazil to be adequately prepared for the 2014 World Cup.

"You are aware that Brazil is hosting the next Fifa World Cup," President Kibaki said adding that he wants Kenya to feature in Brazil.

Da Silva, who said he was sad because Brazil was knocked out of the ongoing World Cup in South Africa, hoped Kenya prepares well for 2014 World Cup so that players from the two countries can meet in the finals.

And the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Hellen Sambili, who was at State House with the two Presidents, has summoned a crucial meeting next week to discuss football woes bedeviling the country.

The minister said the stakeholders’ meeting would focus on the need to revitalise troubled football industry.

"We have invited all the stakeholders including referees to a meeting where problems facing the sector will be addressed," said Prof Sambili.

She added that the country has great potential to produce youth aspiring to be world’s best footballers in future, but blamed politics for being obstacle to this core.

The minister noted that Kenya has signed co-operation agreement with Brazil that would help boost football in the country.

Kenya failed to qualify for their maiden 2010 World Cup held in the African continent. Harambee Stars were bundled out of the World Cup qualifiers in the third round.

Nigeria qualified from the group but were eliminated from the World Cup with only a point in the group B that had Argentina, Greece and South Korea.

But yesterday, Prof Sambili hinted that the country will participate in the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil.

"I am saddened that the country failed to quality for the on-going World Cup in South Africa, but I assure the country that we will be part of the 2014 World Cup," said Sambili during the launch of a four-year belated 2008-2012 strategic plan for her ministry.