- Former Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga has released a statement following the passing of Raila Odinga
- The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) deputy president mourned the death of the politician as a true friend of football
- In 2010, Mariga almost joined Manchester City, with Raila revealing the role he played in what could have been a big move
McDonald Mariga has joined Kenyans and the rest of the world in mourning Raila Amolo Odinga.
Source: UGC
Raila died on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack in India. His body will be flown out of the country on Thursday before a state funeral and buried on Sunday.
Mariga’s condolences to Raila
Mariga, who is now the vice-president of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the former Prime Minister.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga – a true politician, a champion of democracy, and a friend of football and sports in general. His will to uplift Kenya and inspire generations will be remembered forever,” said on Instagram.
The famous midfielder, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010, he added,
“Kenya has lost a great leader whose vision, steadfastness and love for the nation transcended politics. His legacy will continue to inspire millions of people who believed in a united and prosperous Kenya. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and all Kenyans who mourn this great tragedy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
How Raila helped Mariga almost join Man City
In 2010, Manchester Citywhich had been bought by Emirati billionaire Sheikh Mansour, wanted to sign Mariga from Italian club Parma.
City who spent free money wanted to capture the Kenyan midfielder and had already accepted a fee of about KSh 1.2 billion as quoted by Sky Sports.
Source: Getty Images
Everything was in place, but Mariga did not have a work permit yet. Raila, who was the Prime Minister at the time, revealed that he did everything he could to get the approval.
“I would like to assure football fans and all Kenyans that together with the British High Commissioner, I have done what I could to get Mariga to enter Man City. I spent no less than three hours on the phone talking to Gordon Brown’s office, the Africa Office, the Culture and Sports office, the Home Office, FA President Lord Treisman and Mariga himself,” Raila said through the BBC.
Why was Mariga denied a work permit
Unfortunately for Mariga, he was denied a work permit after failing to meet the criteria for players allowed to play in the Premier League.
Players were required to come from countries ranked over 70 by FIFA, but Kenya was ranked 98th at the time. He ended up signing for Inter Milan instead.
Years later, his brother Victor Wanyama he became the first Kenyan to play in England after joining Southampton.
FKF suspend all leagues
Mariga’s message came shortly after FKF suspended all league matches in the country.
The federation announced that it will participate in Raila’s mourning as announced by President Ruto.
The Sportpesa League was expected to resume this week after the international break.
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