What makes Kenyan footballers return from international callings?

BY RODGERS ESHITEMI

NAIROBI: Could it be talent ineptness, unscrupulous agents, indiscipline, the style of play or attitude that is making most of our foreign-based players return back in the country to feature in the domestic league?

Or is it the growth, the competition and Kenyan Premier League’s financial success attracting them? These are some of the unending questions lingering in everybody’s mind.

In the recent past, the Kenyan football fraternity has experienced most of its highly touted talent going to waste on moving to foreign clubs, and after a short spell abroad, KPL has always been their destination.

Naturally, we do follow our dreams but not all of them come true and it’s a dream of every upcoming Kenyan footballer to play either in Europe, Middle East or America.

Nobody can deny that Kenya’s best players are making the grade across the globe as the likes of Victor Wanyama (Southampton), Dennis Oliech (AC Ajaccio), Mcdonald Mariga (Parma-on loan), Arnold Origi (Lillestrøm SK), Lawrence Olum (Sporting Kansas City), Divock Origi (Lille) have flourished in their respective leagues-meaning the cream of Kenyan talent still rises to the top.

But, not all of those in pursuit of better paying ranks have shone out there as various reasons ranging from lack of playing time to discipline have forced a chunk of them to return back home.

Although Football Kenya Federation has absolved itself from blame over the increase in number of returnees, it is evident the federation has failed to address the cause of this "frightening trend".

However, critics argue that football administrators must put in place a mechanism to monitor our professional players and develop a footballing platform that works from grassroots to national level.

And as the regional football powerhouse, Kenya should be leading in talent exposure, advocating for most of its star players to ply their trade abroad.

But according to former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards striker Mike Baraza, the issue lies more in the Kenya Premier League calendar, conflicting, transfer period and the unscrupulous football agents.

“There are issues on both sides. But the main problem is that our football calendar is conflicting and it doesn’t’ favour local players to join paid ranks or attend trials. Unlike other leagues globally which kick off in August and end in May, KPL normally starts in February and ends in November,” said Baraza.

“Expectations are always high, but since our transfer period is not aligned with other leagues in the world, most Kenyans have had performance issues because they join the clubs too late and struggle to deliver. Unless FKF reviews the league calendar, then it will be hard to resolve the problem and as a result the statistics are going to get worse.”

“I think FKF has a responsibility to monitor and control what agents do, but footballers should also be aware of whom they are dealing with because some agents are out to make a killing. Adapting to the harsh weather, training, rebellion and language barriers also makes it difficult for most Kenyans to survive abroad- hence they tend to come back home where they are recognized,” added the Radio Sports analyst.

But in an interview with our sister publication, The Nairobian, KPL CEO Jack Oguda urged FKF to increase the number of licensed FIFA agents and called on clubs to sensitize their players.

“Nigeria has over 20 FIFA player agents whereas Kenya only has four. The federation, if not the clubs need to ensure that they conduct courses and seminars with the players to educate them on contractual obligations,” said Oguda.

FIFA Licensed agent Sam Machuha, did acknowledge that there are phony agents, but challenged the players to be diligent.

“When the contract is not right, sustainability becomes a problem from the word go. Before one can even think of flying out they need do some due diligence; be sure of the specific club, know all the details about the club and have full terms of the contract,” said Muchuna.

When asked about this issue, Ligi Ndogo Academy CEO Chris Amimo, had different views saying that the root cause can be traced to poor academy structures and youth development programmes.“Everyone is aware that Kenyan football is not as healthy as it should be. Our academies have been neglected and are poorly managed. And due to lack of modern facilities, most academies spend very little time teaching their players the basics- ball skills, dribbling and the technical side of the game,” said Amimo.

“The football we play in Kenya is very different from that played in Europe. Yes, we’ve talent but without but without the basics at a tender age, there is no way players can survive abroad. Well, if the government, FKF, and football stakeholders don't invest in academies, I can tell you that the number of returnees is going to increase. To produce players with the needed quality, we must invest in academies,” he added.

With a few days to the closure of the January transfer window (Friday 31), a number of players have already signed for the local clubs.

George Blackberry Odhiambo and Rama Salim have rejoined KPL champions Gor Mahia after a short stint in Armenia and Qatar respectively, while Sofapaka and Tusker have recaptured Tanzania’s Azam duo of Humphrey Mieno and Jockins Atudo.

Batoto Ba Mungu have also acquired the services of defender Haevenar Maloba from Swedish side Robertsfors, while 2011 KPL player of year Kevin Kimani has been heavily linked with a move to the Brewers after a short spell with Greece club APO Fostira. KPL rookies Top Fry AllStars have also re-signed Maurice Odhiambo on a season long loan deal from Danish side Lolland Falster.

Last season, current Bandari striker Kepha Aswani rejoined Thika United after his six-month loan deal expired with Oman side Al Nasr. Recently, Patrick Oboya, who joined Gor Mahia in June 2013 from Slovakia club MFK Ružomberok, signed a one year deal extension with K’ogalo.

Other KPL returnees include, Allan Wanga , James Situma (AFC Leopards), Moses Arita (Thika United), Collins Kisuya (Sofapaka), Francis Ouma (KCB), Osborne Monday (Tusker), Pascal Ochieng (Posta Rangers), Jamal Mohammed, Mike Baraza (previously AFC Leopards) and recently axed Sofapaka midfielder Hillary Echesa.