Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus offers advice to budding footballers, conduct clinics at MYSA

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus. [Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com]

Germany’s most capped player, Lothar Matthaus, believes that Kenyan football can succeed if cooperation between concerned stakeholders is enhanced.

Speaking yesterday at a Nairobi hotel, Matthaus said anything is possible because even the Germans have also taken that route to be where they are today.

“There are good players in Kenya and Africa who have the potential to conquer the world of football. Players need good facilities, good coaches, and government support to realise their dream," said Matthaus.

"During my time, we played on bad terrains, but times have changed with our football and the strategies put in place are working."

StarTimes will air the Germany Bundesliga this season and their brand marketing and public relations officer, Japhet Akhulia, affirmed the company’s commitment in supporting sports in the country.

Matthaus is in the country to conduct various football clinics for upcoming players.

“We hope the clinics will build young talent who will become the bright future of our generation. It's a great honour to be part of this initiative, especially one that touches on upcoming players.

“As believers of sports development and especially grassroots football, to have Matthaus in our midst seems like the perfect recipe for preparing a sumptuous package of Kenya’s football,” said Akhulia.

Matthaus is accompanied by Bundesliga International officials including International Marketing Manager Tobias Ross and Sales Operations Manager Henning Brinkmann.

“We are happy to be back in Kenya on a Bundesliga Legend Tour. Our previous tours were successful and we hope this will be even bigger," said Brinkmann.

"The partnership between StarTimes and Bundesliga is crucial in our moves to spread the German way of playing football from regions across the world, Africa and in particular, Kenya."

Matthaus, Germany's most capped international has won eight domestic league titles in his career among other major achievements.

He is expected to outline engagements that he will undertake during his maiden visit to Kenya.

Today, Matthaus is expected to conduct clinics at Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). 

Other teams in the training programme include Riruta Youth Sports Association and Star Soccer Academy.

Matthaus played in 25 World Cup games during his career. He featured at every tournament from 1982 until 1998, and is one of only three players to have been part of five separate editions of the global showpiece.

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