By GPC Sports Desk
Young footballers in Shinyalu Constituency are set to benefit from talent scouting, professional club opportunities and education scholarships following the conclusion of the Kakamega East Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mini League.
The tournament, hosted by league patron Fred Ikana, attracted 80 teams and brought together football officials, former players, talent scouts and representatives of major institutions to identify and nurture emerging talent.
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AFC Leopards patron Alexander Muteshi and club chairman Boniface Ambani attended the event alongside other football personalities.
Representatives of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) also participated, with commitments to establish long-term partnerships to help talented players access opportunities at Bandari FC and pursue further education through scholarships involving KCB and the Shinyalu National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Speaking during the event, Ikana urged the players to maintain discipline, work hard and remain committed to their ambitions if they hoped to secure professional contracts and education opportunities.
He said the initiative was intended to create a platform for identifying and developing young footballers while linking sporting talent to education and career opportunities.
Ikana also called on FKF national officials to prioritise the development of football and set aside personal interests as Kenya prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Muteshi praised the organisers for staging what he described as a well-organised tournament and pledged to help bring more scouts on board to identify promising players.
He said the involvement of experienced football professionals would help nurture talent and encourage young people to pursue careers in the sport.
“We have assembled here a strong team led by FIFA coaching instructor Fred Serenge, alongside Nick Yakhama, Tony Lidonde, Washington Muhanji, Alfred Imonje and Winner Shilavula,” Muteshi said.
“They are here to mentor the players and scout the best talents for top clubs.”
Ambani challenged the young footballers to set clear goals, maintain discipline and embrace hard work if they hoped to reach the highest levels of the game.
He also urged other leaders in the region to support grassroots football, saying he had identified several promising players whom he intended to follow up personally.
Teams that participated in the mini league included Massu FC, Green Forest, Ileho Samba FC, Lyon, Mugomari FC, Selection Stars, Luck Stars and Young Rovers.
All participating teams received cash awards and playing kits, while also earning tickets to the FKF County League.
The organisers said the initiative would strengthen grassroots football in Shinyalu by creating pathways for talented players to progress to higher levels of competition while accessing mentorship and educational opportunities.
