Doris Petra: Why Kenya may deliver Africa’s third woman to lead football

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Doris Petra: Why Kenya may deliver Africa’s third woman to lead football

Festus Chuma 10:53 - 26.11.2024

Doris Petra has been making waves in Kenyan football as she aims to become Africa’s third female FA president ahead of FKF elections slated for December 7.

Africa coud be about to get its third female leader of a football association and Kenya’s Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President Doris Petra is confident she will claim the historic spot.

With the presidential elections slated for December 7, Petra is optimistic about her chances, having built a robust campaign under her “Team Blue” banner.

Petra’s confidence stems from her grassroots strategy and the substantial support she believes her team has secured.

“Campaigns are going on very well, and I can’t complain. So far, so good, but we are still competing because it’s not over until it’s over. I can comfortably say that we are doing well,” she said as per Citizen.

This election marks a potentially groundbreaking moment for African football.

If elected, Petra will join the exclusive league of women who have led football associations on the continent, following in the footsteps of Liberia’s Izetta Sombo Wesley and Sierra Leone’s Isha Johansen.

Wesley made history in 2004 when she became the first woman in Africa to lead a football association, while Johansen broke barriers in 2013 by heading Sierra Leone’s FA.

Petra, who has served as FKF Vice President under Nick Mwendwa, has emerged as a seasoned football administrator with decades of experience.

Her tenure has been marked by significant contributions to grassroots football development, particularly championing women’s football initiatives.

She is now looking to expand on the achievements of the current administration.

"There are many good things we have accomplished during this regime. When elected, I will look forward to continuing and improving on them. I’ll particularly focus on grassroots football for both men and women to elevate their standards," she said.

Petra’s campaign received a boost from an internal analysis showing a strong lead in delegate support.

“Nick Mwendwa’s claims that ‘Team Blue’ already has 31 votes are accurate. According to our statistics after the FKF county elections, we indeed have 31 votes as of now. People are talking, and we’re engaging with our friends. We can sense the direction this wave is taking,” she asserted confidently.

Her strategy has included personal engagement with delegates and grassroots stakeholders, which she believes sets her apart from her competitors.

“I’ve personally met and spoken to many people, and this gives me the confidence to win,” Petra said.

Her methodical approach, coupled with Mwendwa’s endorsement and their strategic role-swapping to comply with Kenya’s Sports Act 2013, has further solidified her position.

Petra’s competition is formidable, with several high-profile candidates vying for the FKF presidency.

Among them are Hussein Mohammed, Vice-Chairman of Murang’a Seal; Gor Mahia Secretary-General Sam Ochola; and former FKF CEO Barry Otieno.

Despite the crowded field, Petra’s extensive experience and focus on grassroots football have positioned her as a frontrunner.

Beyond her professional credentials, Petra’s journey as a trailblazer in Kenyan football is notable.

Starting her career with Kenya Posts and Telecommunication in 1989, she ventured into football administration during Sam Nyamweya’s tenure as FKF president.

Her contributions, particularly in developing girls’ football and advancing regional football structures, earned her respect in the sport’s circles.

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