Kenya: Our Football Needs Reform

The dismal performance of champions Gor Mahia and Bandari, who exited their respective continental championships in the first round, is a manifestation of how low the local football standards have sunk.

Gor lost to CNaPs from Madagascar 0-1 away on Saturday to bow out of the Champions League on a 1-3 aggregate after losing 1-2 in the first leg in Nairobi.

Bandari lost to St Eloi Lupopo from the DR Congo in their Confederation Cup on 1-3 aggregate after they drew 1-1 Saturday, having lost 0-2 in Kinshasa in the first leg.

This is as a result of poor preparation due to inadequate structures.

Granted, one cannot expected the clubs to be at their peak when the local season has just started and teams are trying out new players and coaches.

Most of their rivals were in tip-top form since their local seasons are half-way through.

Perhaps it is time to heed long-standing calls for change to align the local season to the international calendar.

The new team at the Football Kenya Federation, led by Nick Mwendwa, should take this into consideration.

Champions are made from refined and focused structures.

Kenya needs proper youth structures to enable it to churn out quality players.