Spanish Giants Barcelona are planning to put up a football academy in Kenya. This is according to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Robert Muthomi.
Muthomi met a delegation from the La Liga side on Tuesday in which it was reported that plans are at an advanced stage to establish a state of the earth academy to nurture footballing talent in Kenya.
Barcelona have made a name for themselves with their iconic ‘La Masia’ academy which has produced footballing greats like Lionel Messi, Xavier Hernandes , Andreas Iniesta’s, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique.
Messi, Iniesta and Xavi were the backbone of Pep Guardiola’s all conquering side in the 2010s.
In 2012, former Barca Manager, the late Tito Villanova was the first manager in recent history to play a match with 11 players from the La Masia academy.
If the academy becomes a reality in Kenya, should fans expect talents like Messi and Iniesta in Kenyan football?
Well, those are rare talents which no one can guarantee, but we are sure it will immensely improve the quality of football in the country.
The news comes at a time when, fans are in jubilation mode as the national team Harambee Stars thrashed Ethiopia on Sunday to inch closer to a first AFCON appearance in 14 years.
Three unanswered goals from Michael Olunga, Eric Johanna and Captain Victor Wanyama at a fully packed Kasarani stadium ensured Kenya bagged all the three points and may have sealed a slot in the continental showpiece in Cameroon next year if FIFA confirms the ban on Sierra Leone.
Kenyans fans who have been disappointed on numerous occasions will hope that the new development is a sign of good fortunes ahead and will hope to see more players turning out in La Liga in years to come.
Only McDonald Mariga and the aforementioned Olunga have played in the Spanish top tier league. Mariga turned out for Real Sociedad in the 2011-2012 season while Olunga was the first Kenyan player to score a hat trick when he played for Girona last season.