FKF to coach extra ex-players as scouts to determine abilities at grassroots
NAIROBI, Kenya, January 2, 2025 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice chairman Macdonald Mariga has revealed plans to coach extra ex-players as scouts to determine abilities countrywide.
Mariga says these retired gamers will relieve the nationwide staff coach of the burden of scouting for expertise.
“We want to build a strong team and of course in that regard, we have to call upon the ex-players to train them as scouts so that they can assist in identification of talent. This is a responsibility that cannot be delegated to the national team coach alone,” the previous Harambee Stars midfielder mentioned.
He added that these ex-players can be deployed to all grassroots tournaments.
“We want that these ex-players will be present across the country, at all grassroot competitions. Whether it is at the Coast, Nyanza or Western or wherever, they will be there at the grassroots to identify talent and help build a solid team,” Mariga mentioned.
Talent identification and improvement on the grassroots is likely one of the pillars of FKF president Hussein Mohammed’s manifesto.
It is a matter he usually spoke to when campaigning for the highest seat, noting the necessity for expanded networks of scouting.
Amidst an impending overhaul of expertise identification and improvement within the business, the instant focus is on Harambee Stars’ marketing campaign on the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.
Stars kick off on Sunday in opposition to Burkina Faso — and never Burundi as earlier deliberate — earlier than subsequent matches in opposition to Tanzania and the hosts on Tuesday and Friday subsequent week, respectively.
The staff, which departed for Zanzibar on Thursday morning, have been coaching on the Mpesa Foundation Academy for the previous week.
Having been there, performed that, Mariga is impressed by the hassle proven by the gamers.
The former Inter Milan and Parma midfielder believes an excellent efficiency will set the right platform to construct upon for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in February.
“The Mapinduzi Cup provides a good platform to prepare for the CHAN and to solidify the team. It is a good opportunity for the players to stake their claim to be included in the squad for the continental competition,” he mentioned.
Kenya can be making their debut on the CHAN by advantage of co-hosting the tourney with Uganda and Tanzania.
