The government will support the growth of community soccer clubs in counties to raise the dwindling football standards in the country, sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed.
He disclosed his ministry had put in place strategies to revamp stadiums and increase cash flows to community clubs by attracting sponsorship deals for the local league and clubs.
The CS regretted that soccer in the country was currently on its death bed stating that what the country needs to do was to return to the basics by encouraging the growth of the game from the grassroots.
He said with the country’s target of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and qualification for FIFA world cup 2030, the focus must be on community clubs and improving sports infrastructure in the country.
He spoke in Rarieda Sub County during a friendly match between Gor Mahia and Rarieda combined.
The CS revealed he has held meetings with a number of cooperating entities with regard to sponsorship deals with Television giants Supersports likely to make a return to the Kenyan soccer league next season.
Namwamba who was hosted by his Information, Communications and the Digital economy counterpart Eliud Owalo told Kenyans to expect a change in fortune for Kenya football in 2023.
Owalo said soccer clubs in the country will engage in talent search across the country to uplift levels of soccer at grassroots levels.
“Today’s match between Gor Mahia and Rarieda combined was mainly a talent search game, this is the only way we can expose talents at grassroots levels,” Owalo said
He called for change in the modes of management of Kenya soccer to attract more investors and sponsors.
“Soccer management must now adopt a business model, this is the only way we will be able to attract and maintain sponsorship” Owalo stated.
