Even while we still need to grow and continue learning in order to be at our best in creating elite coaches for both domestic and international markets, as a country one of our least problematic areas in the football landscape is the coaching staff.
Conversely, my inquiry is this: Is coaching the sole profession available to football players once they retire? Most, if not all, of them would say that coaching is the role they would most like to play in the football scene after retirement.
I believe that there is a significant need in Kenyan football leadership, management, marketing, and administration, and that former players may help to fill it. They might also choose other fields like health and fitness instruction, sports journalism, sports commentary, officiating etc.
If we want to create a thriving football ecosystem, I believe now is the ideal time for the federation and all the stakeholders to prioritize training and mentorship other than coaching.
We must delve further and discover why most former footballers in Kenya want to take on the role of coach rather than CEO, president, director, or team management at their club or federation.
It's possible that some people have other career goals, but their silence is alarming and deafening, practically erasing hope for the game and the next generation, particularly in management, leadership, and administration.
When it comes to life after football, another thing to think about could be what the federation and other football stakeholders are promoting. Aside from coaching football, there is a vast amount of information and career option in the game that players need be aware of regarding roles, responsibilities, career growth etc.
The lack of mentorship for upcoming leaders, CEOs, team managers, presidents, and other key figures forces many people who haven't experienced the "dark tunnel" of the game to assume the lead in practically all managerial and administrative tasks.
As evidenced with athletes, I think ex-players have a higher chance of steering our game in the right direction provided they receive the proper training and certification, but it doesn't mean they would be the greatest people to take charge of managerial and administrative matters.
I want to call on all former players to speak up at the next football elections in Kenya and express their opinions.
A lie that will never come true is standing on the fence and hoping for better circumstances. Remember, even if you choose not to run for office, you can still make an impact and improve things with just one voice.
To all former football players: united we stand, divided we fall. Recall that many talents will be wasted as a result of your inactions as a generation that chose to normalize everything, even in situations where their presence, counsel, and voice were most needed.
May God bless football in Kenya. Wilson Masaka +throughMylens, Youth Advocate and Grassroots Football Champion.
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