Kenya set to host one of the biggest scouting events in Africa

Obas Sports Management's Lead Scout Coordinator for East and Central Africa Elisha Winga, Nairobi City Stars FC central midfielder Zawadi Naftali and Gbenga Lein of Obas Sports Management during the launch of Nairobi International Legacy Cup at Uhuru Sports Complex in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Kenya is set to host one of the biggest football scouting events in Africa following the successful launch of the Nairobi International Cup this week.

The three-week international talent search, to be conducted by the Fifa licensed agency Obas Sports Management, will be held in Nairobi on April 7-26, 2025.

Scouting for the U13, 15, 17 and 21 flairs will be held at the Lenana School while Dandora and Ulinzi stadiums and Don Bosco grounds will be the alternative venues for identifying prowess in senior players.

National carrier Kenya Airways will ferry the international players, coaches and scouts set to take part in the event whose mission is to bridge the gap between the emerging football players and the professional opportunities around.

Already confirmed for the occasion are players, coaches, tacticians and football stakeholders from Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, US, England, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Norway and Croatia.

"The event will start with an international workshop for the coaches, then a five day rigorous selection process for the players, and those chosen will be taken through another five day seminar to fortify them in the game," Obas Sports Management East and Central Africa Lead Scout Coordinator Elisha Winga told Standard Sports during the launch held at the Uhuru Sports Complex in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Some of the local players who succeeded with the agency and the process include Mwanalima Adam Jereko (Kansas City Women FC in the US), Annedy Kundu (
Nees Atromitou in Greece),Corazon Aquino (Simba Queens in Tanzania), Diana Wacera (Kenya Police Bullets), Francis Kahiro (KCB FC), Naftali Zawadi (Nairobi City Stars FC) among others.

"Elisha spotted me while playing for Imara Daima FC and Ligi Ndogo, he brought me on board and has now linked me up with a Kenyan Premier League club. I will forever be grateful for this rare windfall that I received this year," highlighted central defensive midfielder Zawadi who penned his first top flight contract with Nairobi City Stars a month ago.

"This move is a big step towards my career, my aim is to now make it to the national team as I dream to further my career abroad, I want to be successful in the game so I can change the fortune of my family," the 20-year old from a family of eight added.