TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Trans Nzoia County roared to life this week after a group of football coaches from U.S.-based colleges pitched a tent in the area scouting for talent as part of ongoing efforts to grow the sport across Africa.
Tens of participants from Goseta Senior School took part in classroom and on-field sessions aimed at developing both new and experienced footballers.
The clinic organised by EDU-Sports Kenya, Goseta Senior School and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Representative, Trans Nzoia County, was led by Matt Reeb, Head Coach of Men’s soccer at Indiana Wesleyan University, and Albert Keaton, Head Coach of the Women’s soccer team at Huntington University.
“We have strong connections with other institutions in the U.S. to support these talents through pathways and avenues, and if they are good enough, we want to help them,” said Coach Matt Reeb.
Bob Oyugi, the Senior Instructor at EDU Sports, said that most of their first students in the pilot stage have already graduated.
“Some have PhDs, Masters, some are undergraduates, and some are postgraduates. You know, different categories. So, that is the production that we have here so far,” Oyugi disclosed.
Why do grassroots football clubs matter?
According to Oyugi, the strength of strong national football teams in the world lies in the grassroots.
“If you have weak clubs and weak leagues, you should not expect your national team to be strong. Right now, we have a federation (FKF); they are doing a good job, they are working hard, and they should be given support, which should come from the grassroots,” Oyugi explained.
Gosesa Senior School Principal Geoffery Murunga, exuded confidence that the talent scouting process will be a continuous activity.
“At Goseta Boys Senior School, we believe in talent development. We believe in developing the boys in academics and talent, and this is one way we are exposing young people. And I believe this is one way we are going to develop football in our country. I call on other stakeholders to come on board and join us to support this venture,” he added.
Murunga emphasised that the coaches had visited his institution to scout for the boys, specifically those who had completed form four. “So that the best can be offered scholarships to go and study in the U.S., as well as develop their talents.
What was expected of the talents?
On her part, Everlyne Masinde, the FKF Trans Nzoia County Woman Representative, said:
“We are so grateful that we have gotten this chance, and we are looking out for more institutions out there to bring these talents on board for growth and development,” said MasMasinde.
Louis Ingavi, a beneficiary of the football talent program now based at Saginaw Valley State, was also present at the event.
Participants were expected to bring personal training kits, transcripts from their respective schools, and parents/coaches to accompany the player(s), as well as drinking water.
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