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The former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars star has revealed the programme Spain adopted which helped them produce players to win them Euro 2024 Kenya can also adopt.
Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba has revealed how the government can be able to nurture prospects in order to create a sustainable football ecosystem.
Okwemba drew parallels to the football academy system in Spain, with the country recently clinching the Euro 2024 Championship, defeating England 2-1 in the final, with young talents Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal shining throughout the tournament held in Germany.
“Spain is identifying their talents early enough and putting them in the centers of excellence to nurture them into formidable and complete footballers,” Okwemba told Citizen TV.
“It’s a country full of talent because they are all-round in terms of tapping and nurturing these talents using these centers.
“These centers of excellence are the reason we are seeing youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams playing for the senior team in Euro 2024.”
Okwemba emphasized the importance of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) prioritizing youth structures to secure a better future for the nation's football.
He highlighted the significance of experienced players in the Spanish national team, who provide young players with the confidence and ability to excel.
“We should be informed that the Spanish national team is full of experienced players who have the ability to give these young players the confidence and ability to do what they want.
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“Kenya should learn to heavily rely on the youth structures that will be able to help us realize super talents in our youths,” he added.
The former AFC Leopards player also advocated for a meticulous and gradual introduction of youngsters into the national team setup.
He warned against rushing the process, stressing that a systematic approach is essential for identifying and developing young talents capable of representing the national team.
“When you see young good players coming through, don’t start wishing that Kenya should also do the same.
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“It is a process which if not practiced, then we will find it difficult to identify young talents who are able to feature for the national team,” Okwemba concluded.
As Kenya looks to improve its football landscape, Okwemba’s insights underscore the need for strategic investment in youth development and structured talent nurturing, similar to the successful model employed by Spain.
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