Stephenson backs Shaw

Outgoing president of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Ambassador A.B. 'Stewart' Stephenson is backing general secretary Wayne Shaw to become the next head of the Corporate Area football body.

Stephenson, who announced yesterday that he was stepping down from the post to concentrate on building his law practice, said Shaw is the right man to lead the organisation at this time.

"Wayne (Shaw) has had eight years to develop and formulate a commitment to KSAFA, and when we came back into office in 2014, I told him that I will not take up the leadership in KSAFA unless he was beside me as general secretary. I trust him absolutely and he has a good head for the game," said Stephenson.

"It is my confident expectation that after his nomination, he will receive the support of the clubs and I really hope that will happen because I think he will do an excellent job as KSAFA president," Stephenson said during a press briefing at the Barbican Business Centre.

He added that his move to step down from the leadership of KSAFA has taken many by surprise, but he insisted that now is the right time to hand over the baton.

According to Stephenson, sports administration is often completely voluntary.

"People and their families have to make sacrifices, and I think every good administrator must realise when they have done enough and when it is time to pass the mantle of leadership.

"As a lawyer, I have to be very careful in looking forward because you still have to expect long life, and if you have the energy and vitality to continue to earn, then I have to give myself the opportunity to develop my practice," he added.

SHAW FEELS HONOURED

Meanwhile, Shaw, who is the president of the Santos Football Club, feels 'very honoured' to have the support of Stephenson.

"I know that it is a lot of work, but with this team, I don't think I will have a problem carrying out my duties," Shaw said as he looked forward to the election for a new president.

A two-time president of KSAFA, Stephenson first held the post in 1996 and served for 11 years. He was then succeeded by Rudolph . He returned to replace Speid in 2014 and was in his second term.

Nominations for the post of president of KSAFA will open today and close on January 20. The special general meeting to elect the new president will be on that date. Speid has stated that he plans to seek another term as KSAFA boss.