Kenya: Airtel in Search of Youth Talent

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Nairobi Star (Nairobi) Francis Wadegu 29 June 2011 Harambee Stars winger Joseph Nyaga will be in line to play for his new club Sofapaka when they take on AFC Leopards in a Kenya Premier League encounter today."We finalised the deal yesterday and I look forward to play for Sofapaka who are one of the biggest clubs in the country and hopefully, I can help the team reclaim the league title," said the Afro haired left winger. Nyaga is Sofapaka's first major signing in the mid season transfer window as coach Francis Kimanzi looks to build up on last weeks 4-1 thrashing of Thika United that saw them jump into the top half of the league standings albeit nine points behind Nyaga's former club Rangers, who top the standings having played a game more than their rivals. Leopards will also get the chance to showcase their new signings including Ulinzi Stars Mike Barasa, Jimmy Bageya from Nairobi City Stars and Western Stima's Francis Chinjili

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Muigai Kiguru

29 June 2011

Five talented football players from Kenya have the opportunity to visit English football giants Manchester United soccer schools later in the year.

This will be necessitated by a partnership between Airtel Kenya and English champions in an ‘Airtel Rising Stars’ search program that will see the two identify, nurture and develop football talent in the country for the next four years.

Speaking during the launch graced by former Manchester United striker Andy Cole at the Upper Hill School, Airtel Kenya managing director Rene Meza said: “The program is designed to provide a structured platform for scouts, coaches and authorities to tap into the vast pool of upcoming talent.”

The initiative will target both boys and girls and the organisers will work closely with the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) and the ministry of sports. “Football has the ability to connect and empower communities through the passion it elicits from fans and the ability of players to learn and eke a living from the sport,” said Meza.

The star search will kick off during the provincial finals of the Kenya Secondary Schools Term 2B Games between July 13 and 23 and run until the national final set for August 9 to 13. The initiative will culminate in a football clinic in Dar-es-Salaam in October to be conducted by Manchester United Soccer School coaching staff.

The clinic will target 11 top Under-17 players from Airtel’s African market of 12 countries and five players from each country will travel to Manchester United Soccer School in England for a training camp.

Cole said it is only through talent identification at an early age that a player can be helped develop his talent and make him successful in the future. “We are pleased to support Airtel in developing the rich pool of young football talent through this initiative across Africa,” said Manchester United relationship and sponsorship servicing director Nick Humphreys. Also present during the launch was KSSSA chairman David Ngugi, Kenya National Sports Council chairman Nderitu Gikaria and Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch.

The trio commended the partnership and observed that it will go along way in helping to improve the standards of the sports in the country.

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Kenya: Airtel in Search of Youth Talent