Kenya increases allowances for its football team

Kenya's national football team Harambee Stars players' allowances have been increased from $35 to $118 as motivation ahead of their remaining 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya Federation boss Sam Nyamweya said they wanted to encourage the players ahead of the crucial match against Nigeria early next month, reports Xinhua.

"We have decided to increase their daily allowances. They were initially earning 3,000 shillings ($35) per day but that has been increased to 10,000 shillings ($118). We want to motivate the players and achieve the goals we intend to reach," Nyamweya said.

Kenya is currently bottom of Group F of their Brazil Mundial qualifiers with two points while their next opponents Nigeria top the group with five, level on points with Malawi, who are followed by Namibia with three in third place.

Subsequently, all domestic league matches set for this weekend have been put off to afford head coach Adel Amrouche enough time to prepare for the June 5 clash against the African champions.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan midfielder MacDonald Mariga will miss the crucial qualifier against Nigeria. Mariga, who has not featured for the side for over a year, has not recovered from his long standing knee injury.

"Mariga is not coming. He is injured and is recovering and we will work with the players we have," Amrouche said.

The east African nation will also be without their suspended captain Dennis Oliech and keeper Arnold Origi for the Eagles' clash.