NAIROBI, June 11 – Once again, the blundering Football Kenya Federation has been accused of short circuiting the country’s 2017 Afcon dream by first choice keeper, Arnold Origi who slammed them for securing his release from Norway late.
In what is becoming the cancer of the federation’s inept management- poor preparations- Origi claims FKF sent a release letter to Lillestrome later than FIFA rules stipulate with the Norwegian league in full flight.
To mitigate against the latest incident that casts doubt over their ability to run the national team to qualify for the biennial continental showpiece; the federation’s propaganda machine send out an email on Thursday morning urging the media to ‘ignore reports on the composition of the team’.
In a long statement, Origi spelt out the reason why he will not be between the sticks on Sunday when Stars launch their campaign with a testing away trip to Claude Le Roy’s Congo Brazzaville, one of the rising star teams in the continent.
“I think it’s not right that focus goes to one player when the national team has a very crucial match this weekend. Therefore, I wish to just make things clear so that the team can continue to prepare calmly for this very important match and all focus and energy directed towards the game and nothing else.
“The reason that has been given about my unavailability for the Congo game is inaccurate,” the custodian started his account after he was accused of ditching his nation for the Nordic country where he has plied his trade for a decade.
“Yes. I have applied for Norwegian citizenship. My long stay in Norway has made me eligible to apply for it and it’s an opportunity I just cannot let pass by. Because this will not only enhance my chances of achieving my dream career wise but it also gives me a opportunity of perusing an education that will for sure benefit me when my days between the posts are over.
“Career-wise it makes it easier to make movements in Europe and join better European leagues than the Norwegian. Something that I have been trying and dreaming for a long time but has been made impossible by our FIFA ranking. Education-wise it’s no secret that as an EU citizen it very easy and almost free to study in Europe.
“But this is not the reason for my absence for this important game. The reason is that the letter to ask for my release from my club was sent very late and therefore, my club just simply said no. I tried pleading because that was the only thing in my power to do but there was no chance and I don’t think there was ever going to be a chance of them releasing me for the game.
“Clubs are reluctant in releasing their players for the national team in the middle of the season. They usually don’t have a choice when games are in the FIFA calendar and the letter asking for release of players is sent when it should be sent. Any chance they can get of not releasing players they use it mercilessly and this case Lillestrom was given a chance,” Origi’s explained.
“I wasn’t happy when I got the message and still not happy today that am away while my fellow teammates are getting ready to do duty for the country something which no words can describe the joy it brings. It’s every players dream and desire to play for their country doesn’t matter if you are at the top or the bottom.
“The feeling of joy before during and after every game is priceless. I was ready and motivated to come and do a good job for my country but I am a professional and have to respect the decision made by my employer. Because whether I like it or not they have the law on their side in this instance and there is nothing I can do about it. Otherwise I wish the boys all the best in Congo and I look forward to the next one God willing against Zambia in Nairobi,” the keeper concluded.
