Why we need to tap talent at off-season tournaments
AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems speaks to the media after their FKF Premier League match against Sofapaka FC in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County on November 7, 2021. Sofapaka won 1:0.
What you need to know:
- The tournaments in Western region mostly sponsored by politicians have already kicked off, but a section of former footballers’ claiming to be acting on behalf of AFC Leopards are busy watching the matches but will not recruit any player.
- AFC Leopards must go back to their tradition and secure the best youngsters, rather than signing imports who don’t add value to the team.
I spent most of my weekend watching the famous Koth Biro tournament at Ziwani Sports Ground in Starehe Constituency and came across many talented young players who are ripe for our top club in the Kenyan Premier League.
Raila Odinga was the chief guest on Saturday at the match between Kisima FC verses Comcheddat FC, where I was impressed by the quality display despite the waterlogged pitch.
Many players in this tournament itch for an opportunity to prove their value, but haven’t been exposed.
Anyone doubting the credibility of these annual off-season tournaments needs to only look at the list of players they have produced since the 1980s.
I advise AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to go back to their tradition where they connected with the schools in Western and Nyanza which were the heart of the top two clubs.
AFC Leopards must revive their relationship with local coaches in Western to help the club end its long, trophy-less misery.
Many players, including Peter Lichungu, Patrick Shilasi, Pius Masinza, Peter Ouma, Mike Amwayi, Wycliffe Anyangu, Erustus Nandwa, Reginald Asibwa, Mike Obonyo, Dennis Munyendo, Santos Muhindi and Washington Muhanji became successful superstars after establishing their sublime skills at the youth level.
Most of these players who helped Leopards win the Esat and Central African Club Championship title three times in a row (1982-1984) passed through the hands of the late Chris Makokha, who coached Ministry of Works, Motcom FC and Kakamega High School.
While Leopards had connections with Kakamega High School, Mukumu Boys, Ingotse and Mundika, among others, Gor Mahia relied on Kisumu Boys, Homabay and Kisumu Hot Stars that produced the like of John Ogolla and Sammy Onyango “Jogoo” among others.
Today, when the off-season tournaments are held in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga, it’s hard to see Ingwe scouts spotting talent.
The tournaments in Western region mostly sponsored by politicians have already kicked off, but a section of former footballers’ claiming to be acting on behalf of AFC Leopards are busy watching the matches but will not recruit any player.
AFC Leopards must go back to their tradition and secure the best youngsters, rather than signing imports who don’t add value to the team.
