Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, and Chelsea FC legend John Obi Mikel have partnered to enhance grassroots football in Kenya.
The partnership was formalised during a meeting organised by the Eliud Owalo Foundation in Lavington, Nairobi. Owalo said the main goal is to establish a solid development foundation that can propel emerging talent to the intended heights.
Kenya's football development has long been hampered by a lack of structured pathways for talented young players. Owalo seeks to change this by modelling the nation's football development programme after the remarkable journey of Mikel.
Mikel's rise from humble beginnings to international stardom exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship and strategic development, offering a compelling blueprint for Kenya's aspiring footballers. Owalo believes Mikel’s experience as a professional player brings valuable insights and expertise that could guide upcoming Kenyan footballers.
“John Obi Mikel’s journey from the streets of Jos, Nigeria, to the world stage is a powerful example of what talent, when properly guided, can achieve," said Owalo. “We aim to replicate that success story here in Kenya.”
Central to their initiative are organised youth programmes aimed at identifying and coaching aspiring athletes, particularly in underprivileged regions.
As a former Chelsea FC player and European champion, Mikel's professional experience provides invaluable insights that can help shape the future of Kenyan footballers.
With youth empowerment and sports development at the centre of the Eliud Owalo Foundation, this collaboration marks a new era for Kenyan football, one characterised by structure, opportunity, and strategic international mentoring.
Grassroots football serves as a critical foundation for the sport by identifying and nurturing young talent. The initiative envisions structured mentorship programmes to foster practical experience and sportsmanship among youth players.
"For example, skill development camps and coaching clinics could be organised, enabling young players to improve their abilities and gain practical experience," he said. "These activities not only enhance individual skills but also promote teamwork and sportsmanship, essential qualities for any athlete," he added.
By enhancing grassroots football, Kenya aims to elevate its players to compete on international platforms, improving the country's visibility in global tournaments.
The discussions looked into corporate sponsorships for local clubs such as Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards to keep Kenya's football league financially stable.
"We investigated possible collaborations to find, develop, and market regional soccer talent," Owalo said.
Without significant financial injections, he believes the Kenyan Premier League risks stagnation and a decline in the quality of play.
The current financial model of the league is demonstrably unsustainable. Many clubs rely heavily on gate receipts and limited government support, leaving them vulnerable to fluctuating attendance and inconsistent funding. Owalo reckons corporate sponsorships offer a more reliable and scalable revenue stream.
" Major companies can benefit from associating their brands with popular clubs, gaining significant exposure to a large and passionate fan base.
"This mutually beneficial relationship can inject much-needed capital into clubs, allowing them to invest in better facilities, player development, and coaching staff," he said.
Furthermore, increased financial stability could lead to improved player salaries and attract higher-quality talent, ultimately enhancing the overall standard of football in Kenya.
