FKF announces bold plan to transform youth football
Mohammed said there is need for a structured approach to not just discover talent but also to nurture and follows it through every stage
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has announced plans to partner with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) to streamline talent development in the country.
Mohammed said there is need for a structured approach to not just discover talent but also to nurture and follows it through every stage.
“We will definitely have, under the youth department and various departments within the federation, a programme to collaborate with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and Kenya Primary School Sports Associations around talent development,” he said.
Mohammed criticised the lack of follow-up systems for young players, even after they have been identified as promising talents.
“You have identified a 13-year-old who’s very good – what happens to them at 14, 15, and 16? Which schools do they go to? Which clubs do they join? Who is tracing this talent? Nobody! and that is where the gap is,” he said.
He further pointed out that while schools are full of potential, there is a disconnect between spotting talent and guiding it to professional levels.
“The talent is present in the school, but who captures that talent? Who packages that talent? Who follows it through to the national team or clubs? That’s where the gap is,” added the FKF boss.
If successful, this initiative could mark a turning point for Kenyan football, laying the groundwork for a sustainable pipeline from school fields to stadiums.
Meanwhile, Mohammed urged the media to be at the forefront of publicising the forthcoming CHAN and AFCON tournaments to be held in Kenya in 2025 and 2027.
Mohammed was speaking during a courtesy call to a leading media house during which he also asked local media platforms to prioritise enhancing visibility of domestic football to the masses.
“Media plays a critical role in promoting the local leagues, national teams, and international competitions like the upcoming 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. We need more games to be live on our local platforms and will continue engaging the media to ensure success in this area.”
