Former Harambee Stars and Tottenham player Victor Wanyama has urged Kenya to strengthen investment in grassroots football, saying the country must develop young talent through structured pathways if it hopes to compete consistently at the highest level.
Speaking ahead of the official launch of the Wanyama Football Academy in Nairobi later this month, the former Harambee Stars captain said proper player development begins at the academy level and cannot be rushed.
According to Wanyama, young footballers need a clear progression from grassroots football to the professional game, with each stage playing a vital role in their growth.
“I’m very excited because I know what it takes to go through the early-stage academy, getting those training from academy. It’s very important to have the structure right from grassroots until professional because you cannot skip,” he said.
He compared football development to the natural stages of childhood, noting that players require gradual and consistent progression to reach their full potential.
“Even when the baby is growing up, first of all they start to crawl and then after they walk. So having this structure is so important to our young generation so that when they follow all the steps then it can be easier for them to adapt in the European football,” he added.
Academy Targets Long-Term Player Development
The Wanyama Football Academy is expected to provide young players with professional coaching, mentorship, and a structured development programme aimed at preparing them for careers in elite football.
The initiative reflects Wanyama’s ambition to give aspiring footballers opportunities similar to those that shaped his own career before he went on to play in Europe.
Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most successful football exports, Wanyama rose through local football before earning moves to Europe, where he featured for clubs including Celtic F.C, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
His success has made him a strong advocate for investing in youth development. Wanyama believes stronger grassroots structures will not only improve individual player development but also raise the overall standard of Kenyan football.
With the academy set to open its doors in Nairobi this month, he hopes it will become a platform for nurturing the next generation of Kenyan footballers and creating a sustainable pathway to professional football both locally and internationally.
