Kenya coach Amrouche seals lucrative five-year contract

Kenya has moved to secure the services of Belgian coach Adel Amrouche, barely a week after he helped the East African country to clinch the regional Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya announced Sunday that Amrouche has agreed an improved five-year contract with Kenya, which will see him guide the 'Harambee Stars' through the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualification and the 2018 World Cup qualification, reports Xinhua.

More importantly, the Kenya government will meet the new deal obligations after president Uhuru Kenyatta agreed to help FKF to shoulder the coach's salary burden.

Amrouche, who replaced Frenchman Henri Michel in February, was earning $15,000 in the previous deal.

"It is great to have his services. He has agreed to grow with us and we are happy with his performance. Winning the regional tournament was his first assignment and he has delivered. Now we focus on the bigger things and the Africa Nations Cup and the World Cup will feature prominently," Nyamweya told Xinhua, Sunday in Nairobi.

Amrouche, who holds a UEFA professional diploma and a Master's in Scientific Sports Research from France University, noted his desire is to see a country playing attractive football and winning results.

Nyamweya said the new contract has been made possible because the government decided to come on board to assist Harambee Stars realise its potential.

"The government has pledged to settle Amrouche's salary for the next five years of the contract," he said.

"We had a chat with President Uhuru Kenyatta, when the team went to State House to present him with the Cecafa Senior Challenge Trophy, which we last won in 2009. He agreed to chip in and support football in the most possible way. The federation is grateful for this kind gesture which will definitely improve services within the national team."

The contract will take effect from Jan 1, 2014. He however, didn't disclose how much the new contract is worth.