Regional Football Body CECAFA Suspends Its Executive Director Auka Gecheo
Gecheo was given credit for keeping the activities of CECAFA afloat through challenging times, including the pandemic-induced disruptions
CECAFA's future is uncertain, but all eyes will be on the Executive Committee for an indication of Gecheo's fate and the future of the organization. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has, with immediate effect, suspended its Executive Director, Auka Gecheo.
In a formal communication, the decision was made during an Executive Committee (EXCO) virtual meeting held on the 18th of this month. The meeting was chaired by acting president Alexandre Muyenge, and it is reported that all members present voted unanimously to temporarily suspend Gecheo from duty.
Though the CECAFA statement did not cite reasons for the extreme measure taken, sources within the committee have suggested that internal issues may have been factors in the decision. The leadership, however, has opted to hold back on complete information for now.
What is sure, however, is that the regional football administrators are already making plans to fill the gap left by Gecheo’s exit. It has been said that another Kenyan is likely to fill the slot, although his confirmation is yet to be made.
Gecheo has been the leadership of CECAFA since July 2020. He succeeded long-serving Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, who retired after decades at the forefront of the body. At the time of Gecheo’s appointment, it was greeted as a new dawn for the football body, with his coming in offering fresh energy and improved management style to the regional association.
During his tenure, Gecheo was given credit for keeping the activities of CECAFA afloat through challenging times, including the pandemic-induced disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw a number of tournaments across the East and Central African region and was seen as central to forging partnerships aimed at establishing grassroots football. His surprise suspension has therefore come as a shock to many stakeholders in the football fraternity.
The action has sparked heated discussions among football enthusiasts, with others drawing the conclusion that the secrecy surrounding why it has been done is an indication of delicate internal matters. Others have yearned for the organization to maintain transparency in the future to consolidate the credibility and solidarity of CECAFA.
While the East African football community breathes down its neck for the appointment of an interim or permanent replacement, Auka Gecheo’s suspension marks a watershed moment for CECAFA. With the crucial role of nurturing football talent and organizing competitions in East and Central Africa, the organization will now be keen to ensure that its member associations and football faithful are reassured that the leadership gap will not derail its programs.
For now, CECAFA’s future is uncertain, but all eyes will be on the Executive Committee for an indication of Gecheo’s fate and the future of the organization.
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