FKF to train more ex-players as grassroots scouts, says Mariga

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president McDonald Mariga has revealed plans to train more ex-players as scouts to identify talents countrywide.

According to Mariga, the Federation has a lot in its hands thus cannot bear the burden of scouting for talents a task which will be well executed by the ex-players if well trained.

“We have to work hand in hand with the ex-players in ensuring we scout more talents to our respective football teams.  We are rolling out measures to call upon former players to train them so that they can assist us in talents identification.

“Talent identification can’t be dedicated to the National team coach. After training we will deploy the players across the country to ensure they search for talents In short they will be the Federation’s eye in the grassroots,” said the former Harambee Stars midfielder.

Talent identification and development at the grassroots was one of the pillars of new FKF president Hussein Mohammed’s manifesto.

It is an issue he regularly spoke to when campaigning for the top seat, noting the need for expanded networks of scouting.

The federation is expected also to name its new technical bench with Ex South Africa international Ben McCarthy tipped to take the mantle as the new Harambee Stars coach.

The focus now shifts to Mapinduzi Cup which kicks off Friday in Zanzibar with Stars playing their first match on Saturday against Burkina Faso.

The team, which departed for Zanzibar on Thursday morning, has been training at the Mpesa Foundation Academy for the past week.

Having been there as a player, Mariga is impressed by the effort shown by the players.

The former Inter Milan and Parma midfielder believes a good performance will set the perfect platform to build upon for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in February.

“The Mapinduzi Cup provides a good platform to prepare for the CHAN and to solidify the team. It is a good opportunity for the players to stake their claim to be included in the squad for the continental competition,” he said.

Kenya is expected to co-host CHAN tournament from February 1-28, 2025 with Tanzania and Uganda.