EX- Stars coach Kheri blasts players over lack of ‘commitment’

Kheri, who coached Stars in the 1990s said money has eroded patriotism in the current generation of players across the globe.

"In our time, players used to fight for the flag, but these days, players are looking for money. In the past, there was a spirit to fight on the field, but nowadays there is none," he said.

The veteran coach has also called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to develop talent from the grassroots where he points out that the only way to grow football is to set up age-group teams that can be nurtured for the future.

"It is impossible to build a house from top to bottom. If we do not have a steady youth development program throughout the country, we will not go anywhere. We should make a selection of young players from all over the country who, when schools are closed, we then organize special competitions to give them exposure,” said Heri.

He added, “For example, there is a youth event for East and Central Africa that is usually being held in Arusha which we usually ignore. Also, our neighbours Uganda usually take their teams to the Gothia Cup in Sweden and Denmark every year and that’s why they beat us easily in the recent Cecafa youth championships”.

Kheri also urged the federation to involve all the relevant stakeholders- including veteran players and coaches- in running of the sport.

"Experience cannot be bought. Relevant leaders should come and get advice from us free of charge, but if they don't want to, that's fine too.”

With the FKF elections looming large, Kheri gave a piece of advice on the ideal leaders to steer the federation.

“I would like to say that it is important that we get leaders who love football and not football money." He concluded.