Kenya Ports Authority is in talks with the Taita Taveta county government as they seek to establish a football academy in the county.
KPA has been fully sponsoring the Taita Taveta County Football Association league for the last two seasons and said they have been impressed by the talent on show.
KPA also sponsors Kenyan Premier League side Bandari FC, who have, for the last two years, been scouting for talent within the region.
On Saturday, Taveta sub-county’s Milan Youth FC wrestled the title from defending champions Gunners FC from Voi sub-county in a match that ended in a penalty shootout at the Moi Stadium in Voi.
Governor Andrew Mwadime attended the KPA-sponsored TTCFA mini-league final alongside KPA general manager cargo operations Sudi Mwasinago, who represented KPA managing director captain William Ruto.
Mwasinago said their aim is to get talent from the grassroots.
“There are many talents that are hidden in the villages just because they have not had that opportunity to showcase what they've got. We might find a player more talented than Messi here but still unexposed,” said Mwasinago.
He said they are exploring the idea of a football academy in Taita Taveta county.
“We have held talks with the county sports executive and that topic cropped up. We will work with the county to establish that (football academy),” said Mwasinago.
“In Kenya, we have a lot of unexposed talents that could make the country earn a lot of money when we export them to Europe.”
Governor Mwadime said it is through these partnerships that the county will move forward, while still benefitting the youth.
“Since we do not have even a single industry here, this is how our youth will get employment and earn a living,” said Mwadime.
Mwadime said they also have plans to establish a team from the county, Taita Taveta United, targeting KPL as they seek to have more teams from the coast region in the top tier.
“We want another strong team from the region in the Premier League (in addition to Bandari). If we partner with the likes of KPA, it will be possible,” said the Governor.
Mwadime established Mwatate United, who ply their trade in the National Super League after rising from the FKF county league.
However, he lamented the poor state of the football infrastructure in the county including the Moi Stadium in Voi, which he said has been neglected by previous administrations.
At the moment, contractors alone are owed over Sh1 billion by the county government.
“We are trying to get investors to come and upgrade this stadium and other football grounds in the county. Money has been allocated for the same in previous administrations but work was not done,” said Mwadime.
He, however, noted that his administration will leave a legacy and have the Moi Stadium in Voi upgraded to international standard.
When one of the investors was approached, he revealed, they wanted to be given another piece of land to establish a bigger stadium saying the Moi Stadium is too small for any meaningful upgrade.
“But we told them we would like to start with that small one to show that it is possible,” said Mwadime.
He said the county has set aside some Sh3 million to lay grass on the stadium.