Former national football team coaches and players have decried the lack of an elaborate youth program in the country to nurture talent at an early age.
Speaking after a five-day coaching refresher course for grassroots coaches in Mombasa, former national team coach, Mohammed Kheri, said Uganda is ahead of Kenya in youth football programs and that is why the Uganda Cranes are doing better than Harambee Stars.
“Uganda is ahead because they have proper youth programs,” said Kheri.
In the latest Fifa rankings, Kenya places 102nd worldwide and 21st in Africa.
Uganda is the top East African country at position 82 in the world, and 15 in Africa.
The coaching course, organized by the Mombasa County Football Association, Kenya Football Coaches Association and FKF presidential hopeful Twaha Mbarak, brought together three former Harambee Stars coaches and two former national team players. The exercise also benefited 65 coaches drawn from Mombasa.
Kheri was joined by Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and Adel Amrouche while former captain James Situma and player Douglas ‘Kazi’ Mutua, who said youth programs in the past used to unearth gems in the game like the late Sammy Taabu, Wilberforce Mulamba, Ambrose Ayoi, Dick Anyanga, among others.
“The youth centres nurtured players who featured for the national team for 10 years. That is what we are lacking today.
“We don’t concentrate on the youth. The moment we concentrate on the youth, I can guarantee you 200 per cent the senior national team will be the best in Africa,” said Mutua, who once coached the Mombasa-based Coast Stars FC.
Kheri, who rallied behind Twaha’s FKF presidential bid, said he must ensure there are proper youth programs for young footballers should he get into office.
Amrouche, whose sterling record as Harambee Stars coach saw him maintain an unbeaten run, said the administration of football in Kenya must improve.
“My hope is to see Kenya at the top. You can do it. You are not far,” said Amrouche.
Alluding to the wrangles that rocked the FKF, leading to the suspension of President Nick Mwendwa, the Algerian tactician said it would be in the best interest of the game for a former player to take over at the FKF.
“Football is for footballers. I hope this problem that you have here in Kenya is resolved. I hope the people find a solution to bring the right people in the right place.
“When we do mistakes, we pay. This is football,” he noted.
“I hope to see a footballer take charge of football in Kenya. We have a lot of former players and you must give them a chance,” said Amrouche.
He called on local coaches' association, Kefoca, to continue sharing coaching knowledge with upcoming coaches so as to have a big pool of coaches to pick from when it comes to appointing a national team coach in the future.
Situma, who took up coaching after hanging his boots three years ago, said developing young coaches at the grassroots will help identify young talent across the country.
He said he took to coaching to help give back to the society by passing down the knowledge he gained during the 17 years he graced top-flight football.
Echoing Amrouche, Situma said modern football is about continuously gaining knowledge.
“When I was playing, I thought I knew everything until I stepped into a coaching class,” said Situma.
