Kenyan footballer has the shortest sell by date

By Bethuel Oduo

With the Kenya National team, Joe Kadenge played for almost 20 years. James Siang’a was goalkeeper with Jonathan Niva as kingpin in defence for the same team for 13 years before surrendering the mantle to Mohammed Magogo of Kenya Breweries and Dan Odhiambo of Gor Mahia.

In 1979, goalkeeping wizard Mahmoud Abbas rose to stardom protected by a mean defence which in various times was marshalled by John Bobby Ogolla, Josephat Murila, Mickey Weche, Peter Otieno ‘Bassanga’ and Austin Oduor for almost another decade.

In the midfield and forward Wilberforce Mulamba, Allan Thigo, Abbas Magongo, JJ Masiga, Elly Adero and Ambrose Ayoyi also had their individual fun for around 10 years.

In the neighbourhood, Tim Ayieko, Moses Nssereko, Polly Ouma, Geoffrey Katerega, Abbey Nasur, Philip Omondi and Jimmy Kirunda were a permanent feature for Uganda Cranes for over ten years.

Taifa Stars had Ahmed Amasha, Mohamed ‘Tall’ Bakari, Abdalla ‘King’ Kibadeni, Sunday and Kitwana Manara, Nico Njohole, Mohamed Kajole, Omar Mahadhi and Osman Mambosasa goalkeeping and later on came Zamoyoni Mogella capturing the limelight during CECAFA tournaments for ages.

Apart from Oliech and Mariga (when available) I have difficulties trying to remember most Harambee Stars regular players in the last 3-4 years. Why? Either we change coaches too often or the modern Kenyan star simply lacks longevity. The young players sprout like seeds, flower with flamboyance, flicker for moments then dim like candles on a windy night.

The player of yesteryear was almost omnipresent. Was it lack of ambition or exposure? The former played soccer for the love of the game but probably with a steady formal employment on the side. The latter is younger, plays full time and is paid more but has a very short shelf life. Several factors have contributed to this sad situation.

My discussion with former legends who frequent matches gave me their views. Albert Okech, the former Luo Union defender blamed the media for hyping the performance of ‘imposters’ who can’t even control the ball. Although they score goals, they lack the basics of soccer. Ball Control 101 is the first lesson in a soccer academy and most players in Kenya lack it because they start playing in secondary school where they also have class work to reckon with.

Looking closely at the players in the 2013 league, only the left-footed players have excellent ball control. Robert Omunuk of Tusker, Francis Kahata of Thika United, David King’atua formerly of City Stars, Patila Omoto of AFC Leopards and Rama Salim of Gor Mahia lead the way in ball control.

A good ball handler will talk to the ball and it will obey his command. He will direct it to where he wants and with the speed and power the player wants. I can bet my fortune, very few Kenyan players can do that. Jesse Were is over-rated, although he scores. Can you rate him as an accomplished ball handler? Can he ‘ toboa’ in Europe as a professional?

I will go back to Robert Omunuk. How I wish he was a Kenyan, Harambee stars would be home and dry when it comes to a playmaker. He is creative, precise, sharp and a joy to watch. Unfortunately, Robert shares something with Neymar of Brazil. They are both underweight and diminutive. Luckily weight can be managed.

Our Kenyan poster boys in the last five years who won ‘Player of the Year’ awards are nowhere to be seen. After the gala night, they assume that now their time is ripe for ‘majuu’. On the sidelines are the agents and dubious scouts who sneak them out for trials in some nondescript and unknown country like former Yugoslavia or even Vietnam and Nepal. It sounded familiar in athletics but has now caught up with soccer stars.

I had a chat with Albert Okech, a renowned CECAFA official and former Luo Union defender. He said our current youngsters are apathetic to regular practice sessions and have lots of distractions off the pitch. Besides, they lead bad lives and have poor eating habits since they have to choose between fast foods and imported refined junk meals.

He explained that it is not uncommon to find players eating chips, fried broilers for lunch with a cold soda just a few hours before a match. Unlike soccer stars in Europe, the local players get seriously distracted when their girlfriends are in attendance. Next time you see any team bus, look at the player’s cheeks blown out with jaws dancing, don’t be surprised that some chew ‘miraa’ right inside the bus. No wonder they have a shorter shelf life.