We'll continue nurturing, monetising talents - Nairobi Talent CEC

Nairobi County Executive for Talent and Skills Development Brian Mulama says the youth soccer championship sponsored by the county and European Union Delegation to Kenya will be played annually.

This comes two days after Kobala Girls from Homa Bay County and Highway Secondary School departed for an 11-day training camp and culture change in Romania, courtesy of the European Union delegation.

Mulama adds that the future winners of the youth tournament aged between 14-18 years will tour, Germany, Belgium, the UK and other EU countries for exposure.

Kobala hammered Nairobi’s Dagoretti Mixed 4-1, while Highway overcame Homa Bay’s Ringa Boys 2-1, during the inaugural Europe Day Kenya Football Tournament finals on 19th May 2024, at Ulinzi Sports Complex to book their tickets.

The tournament sponsored by the European Union and led by the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, H. E Henriette Geigere and Nairobi County, was played in Nairobi, Homa Bay, Kilifi and Marsabit counties where 64 boys and girls’ teams participated.

“We started with four counties, but we’ll roll out the programme countrywide and also expand to other disciplines including athletics, rugby, and volleyball among others," Mulama said.

Both teams will be trained by the men’s and women’s national football team coaches in Bucharest, Romania. The squads will also receive football equipment besides getting full kits, jerseys, balls and other merchandise.

Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja hosted the champions at his City Hall office before departure, emphasized on the importance of education alongside sports, urging the team to strive for excellence both on and off the pitch.

Mulama says Nairobi county led by Sakaja aims to monetise talents by ensuring the youngsters turn into full-time professionals.

"Our junior starlets qualified for the U17  women's world cup in  World Cup set for the Dominican Republic in October 2024, and we hope to tap more talents to follow in their footsteps," Mulama said.

Mulama who is an AFC Leopards supporter, urged Gor Mahia, Police FC and Police bullets who are flying the Kenyan flag in CAF continental football to work harder as they represent Nairobi and Kenya at large.

He also assured Nairobians that Governor Sakaja tournament season two will return bigger and better, with dates set to be announced soon.