In a recent turn of events, former Harambee Stars utility player and current owner of KYSA International Soccer Academy, Coach Richard Madegwa, has stepped forward to support the candid sentiments expressed by Harambee Stars Head Coach Engin Firat. Firat raised eyebrows when he suggested that local players should explore opportunities abroad for a more comprehensive skills upgrade.
Madegwa, known for his outspoken stance on the state of football coaching in Kenya, echoes Firat’s sentiments, stating that the coaching landscape in the country has been marred by systematic failures for the past decade. He specifically targets the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accusing them of running coaching badge programs that prioritize loyalty over merit.
“The FKF coaching badges are money minting schemes and tools of manipulation by FKF. You get the badges if you sing the FKF song. If perceived as not one of them, they deny you. I am a victim, like many others,”
Madegwa revealed. His bold statements shed light on the alleged lack of transparency and meritocracy within the FKF coaching certification process.
Madegwa further emphasizes the apparent stagnation in player development, criticizing coaches for failing to elevate the game’s basics, such as body positioning, ball reception, and decision-making skills. He contends that the natural talent of many players has been stifled due to ineffective coaching methods and a lack of commitment to improvement.
The former Harambee Stars player also directs his criticism towards Michael Amenga, the FKF Technical Director, claiming that there has been zero value added to Kenyan football during his tenure. Madegwa challenges the absence of any technical reports on Kenyan football, highlighting what he perceives as systemic and structural failures.
Expressing concern for the state of Kenyan football, Madegwa points out the conflict of interest within mainstream media, alleging that some journalists are player agents themselves, preventing them from impartially questioning coaching standards. He laments the underperformance of both Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets, attributing their failures to subpar coaching rather than a lack of talent.
As the conversation surrounding the issues within Kenyan football gains momentum, Madegwa calls for a more objective assessment of coaching standards. He suggests that the deep-rooted problems within the system, combined with the socioeconomic challenges in the country, contribute to a reluctance among individuals to challenge the status quo.
In a country where football holds significant cultural and social importance, Madegwa’s outspoken stance adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the direction of Kenyan football and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
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