Stakeholders press FKF to tap football talent in private schools
By Mathew Ndungu, June 9, 2025Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is under mounting pressure to widen its scouting net and tap into the wealth of football talent emerging from private schools, with coaches, parents as well as teachers warning that countless gifted players are being overlooked due to the federation’s long-standing focus on public institutions and urban centres.
“Untapped talent is going to waste,” stakeholders warned while speaking during private school football competitions in Ruiru, Kiambu.
“We have so many skilled players emerging from private schools, but they remain unnoticed because FKF rarely attends such events. Scouting should be widespread and inclusive if we are serious about building a competitive national team in the future,” noted Mathew Shikuku, a football coach at Bethlehem Academy.
Coaches present, led by Austine Ouma, emphasised the need for structured football development pathways and called on FKF to enforce strict age classification to prevent age cheating and ensure fair competition.
They argued that the appropriate classification of players according to their ages is critical in nurturing genuine talent over the long term.
Parents at the tournament stressed the benefits of co-curricular activities in schools, saying that participation in sports has helped improve their children’s discipline, concentration in academics, and physical health, key elements that align well with the goals of the Competency-Based Education (CBE).
“Football and other extracurricular activities have proven to be more than just games. They are character-building platforms that support the holistic development of our children,” noted Thomas Mwania, a parent.
They encouraged fellow guardians to support their children’s talents, warning against the outdated notion that success can only come from academics.
“Our children can become professional athletes, and as parents, we have a duty to support their dreams. Denying them that chance is denying them a future,” added Mwania.
Margaret Muchai, another parent, stated, “We have a responsibility to help identify and support the development of our children’s talents. As parents, let us not tire of investing all we can in our children for posterity.”
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