Confederation of African Football (CAF) Head of TV and Broadcasting (Commercial), Luxolo September, has cautioned Kenyans against what he termed an unhealthy obsession with European football, urging fans, administrators, and sponsors to invest more in strengthening local leagues.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, August 18, 2025, that focused on the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), September said that while European leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga enjoy massive popularity across the continent, their success offers no commercial benefits to African fans or local football ecosystems.

“This obsession with European leagues must stop. We are so obsessed with European leagues, but we make no money from them. There is no commercial ecosystem that revolves around us when it comes to European leagues,” he stated.

Thriving football industry

September noted that Africa has the talent, passion, and market to create its own thriving football industry, but warned that without proper structures, the continent will continue losing its best players to foreign clubs.

“How do you make sure that the best talent in Kenya stays in Kenya? The next Vincent is here; he doesn’t move anywhere else. The next McDonald Mariga is here; he doesn’t move anywhere else; he plays here,” he explained.

“Why should you be celebrating when a player leaves Gor Mahia to play in other countries?”

Vibrant local leagues

According to September, the solution lies in reforming football administration, strengthening commercial partnerships, and attracting strong media backing to build vibrant local leagues.

He challenged local clubs and federations to establish structures that retain top talent and draw regional stars, giving the example of Tanzania’s Mrisho Ngasa, who he argued should be able to feature for Tusker FC or Gor Mahia to raise fan interest in Kenyan stadiums.

“This happens because you have to get the right administrators, with the right commercial understanding, sponsorship understanding, and media understanding, and then you get the media into the country to support the league strongly,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when Kenyan football continues to struggle with sponsorship deficits, poor governance, and dwindling attendance at local matches, even as European fixtures attract massive followings in bars, homes, and public viewing centres across the country.