Former Harambee Stars player Abdulaziz Beneah Watitwa has emphasised that the future of Kenyan football hinges on robust grassroots development and structured football systems.As a football legend who represented Kenya during the 1980s, Watitwa’s insights carry weight, drawn from years of experience on and off the pitch.He insists that for the country to thrive in football, it must prioritise nurturing young talent at an early age, laying the foundation for future success.“Football talent is nurtured at a young age, even as early as seven years old,” Watitwa noted. “No football icon started playing at an old age; most of them began their journey as young as six years old.” ##NAJAVA_MECA_8326686##This belief is central to his approach as the Director of Dytikos Sports Consultants and head of Hakati FC and Makadara Junior League Soccer Academy.Watitwa is an advocate for the development of football structures that focus on youth, ensuring that Kenya’s football future is bright.A host of new Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) stars passed through the hands of Watitwa at Nairobi’s Parkroad FC and Hakati FC, where talent is nurtured at an early age.AFC Leopards youngster Kaycie Odhiambo and Gor Mahia’s forward Chris Ochieng are some of the players doing well in the FKF Premier League after passing through the ranks at Hakati FC and Parkroad FC in the junior category, respectively.MP asks for Victor Wanyama’s ‘unequivocal’ return to Harambee Stars foldHowever, Watitwa also highlighted the stark differences between footballers of his era and those of today.According to him, players in the past were driven by passion, patriotism, and the urge to represent their neighbourhoods and communities.”During our time, it wasn’t about money. We played for the love of the game and the pride of representing our country,” Watitwa reflected.However, he pointed out that the current generation of footballers often prioritises financial rewards over the game itself.##NAJAVA_MECA_8325625##Finances have affected the way football is played today, with many players thinking more about money than the pride of playing for their country.”When money is not involved, it becomes hard for today’s players to give their best. The economic pressures make them focus more on earning rather than putting the country first.”For Watitwa, the solution lies in creating structures that not only produce talented players but also instil the right values from a young age. This includes proper coaching, mentorship, and a system that rewards commitment and patriotism just as much as it rewards skill and talent.”Kenya has the potential to be a football powerhouse,” Watitwa asserted. “But we must start from the grassroots, develop our young players, and teach them that football is more than just a way to make money—it’s a way to unite the country and bring pride to our communities.”Sofapaka still in trouble as FKF releases off-season transfer listThis comes on the backdrop of Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat asking Kenyans to manage their expectations.“In Kenya, you have a problem, you think you are world champions and you underestimate everybody around you,” he said.Meanwhile, as Kenya continues to rebuild its football landscape, the continuity aspect is arguably the missing link, as very few talents proceed to the highest level after rising from the grassroots.For Watitwa, nurturing talent from a young age is not just a strategy—it’s a necessity for the future of Kenyan football.
