Football legends have called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to support grassroots tournaments, saying they produce the country’s most celebrated sportsmen and women.
Speaking during the Steve Arika football tournament at Nyandusi Stadium in Ibeno Ward, Kisii County, legendary Kenyan goalkeeper Francis Onyiso lauded the organisers of the tournament for inviting former national team players to inspire the upcoming young talent.
“We have watched a very entertaining final and hope that through this initiative, we will get very good players who could compete at the national league levels,” Onyiso noted.
Former Harambee Stars Captain, Musa Otieno urged the Federation to equip the coaches at the grassroots with essential tactical mastery and team leadership skills.
Otieno also called for the development of standard football pitches in the counties for such tournaments to continue nurturing upcoming talent.
He encouraged the teams at the national league to leverage on the grassroots tournaments to scout for players for their teams.
“We need to tap into the talent of football legends, including the ex-international players who can support grassroots teams as part of giving back to the society,” added the former captain.
On his part, former Harambee Stars striker Henry Motego noted the tournaments keep the learners engaged during school holidays and help to curb vices such as drugs and substance abuse.
Ibeno Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Steve Arika, who hosted the event, thanked the legends for mentoring the young players and encouraged the youth to maintain discipline throughout the mentorship journey.
The tournament’s final game saw Kabos FC beat Kerera FC 2-1 in an entertaining fixture, and the winners received cash gifts of Sh50,000 (winner), Sh30,000 (first runners-up) and Sh20,000 (second runners-up), plus uniforms from the sponsors of the tournament.
By Mercy Osongo
