Building A More Sustainable Football Club In Kenya

On Sunday, April 23, 2023, I had the opportunity to go to City Stadium to attend a Wazee Premier League (WPL) game between Pari F.C. and Friends zone. The game ended 3-2 in Friends zone's favor. It was also a terrific occasion for me to accept a friend's invitation to capture photos +throughMylens for their soccer team, Pari F.C. I'll be the first to acknowledge that this game was more exciting than some of the local games I've seen.

During the match I saw a lot of outstanding players who, in my opinion, are really talented and ought to continue playing football in advanced economies. I believe there should be more investigation and analysis done into why Kenyan players abandon playing during their prime years or even at an early age. 

In pictures Pari F.C versus Friends Zone

In Kenyan football, it's a sad fact that players are 'hanging boots' at the earliest possible age or at what would be regarded as their prime playing years. This, I've learned, is a result of a number of setbacks and gaps that the industry must fill if we want to catch up with the rest of those who are serious about raising the bar of football in their nations.

If properly handled, the Kenyan football system or culture, in my opinion, may benefit everyone and contribute to our nation's GDP and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Unfortunately, it appears that it has only benefitted a small number, according to my own data, leaving many players either despairing, disillusioned, or just playing for fun rather than ever making it to the professional level. I appreciate the FKF's efforts to provide budding coaches and referees from all ranks with top-notch instruction and certification.

What other areas should FKF concentrate their efforts on enhancing the game in, except refs and coaching coaches, is my query.

I believe that in order for us to have a thriving football economy, we must involve everyone and provide the necessary training to advance the sport. The following are some of the areas I believe the football (sports) industry could need more specialists in every club;

1. Conditioning coaches
2. Sport nutritionist
3. Physiotherapist
4. Legal team 
5. Data analysts
6. Director of Coaching
7. Scout
8. Recruiter
9. Stewards
10. Marketing, PR and social media managers (Marketing & Communication department).
11. Fundraising team (Financial Administrators) and Brand ambassadors.
12. Agent.
13. Team Doctor (Medical Department).

This is merely a brief list of some of the positions that I believe should be added to the game at each club. I am aware that several of these functions are severely underutilized or even nonexistent in the majority of clubs, particularly owing to financial limitations. 

If it falls under their purview, the FKF should also organize symposium to assist clubs in developing sustainable club models with the appropriate structures. 

In summation, I can conclude that "if we keep having 'limping' football clubs with unstable finances, ineffective management, and weak governance, we won't be able to compete with other industrialized nations in creating a dynamic football culture." - Wilson Masaka 

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