Football being one of the major sports played in Kenya it is rather surprising that only a handful of players have managed to make it to the top divisions of European football. It could be a case of lower allocation of resources at the grassroots level as compared to other successful African countries.
Structural problem in the development of football in general is a big issue. That aside we ought to celebrate whatever representation Kenya has in the world of football. Here we bring to you some accomplished footballers who are playing for the top clubs in European countries and also some of the hottest prospects in football.
Linton Maina
Born in Berlin to a Kenyan father Linton Maina is one of the fastest developing players in Germany. He made his professional debut for Hannover 96 in March last year at just nineteen years of age and has put in some impressive performances since then.
He mainly plays in the attacking midfield role but is comfortable in playing at either of the wings. His rapid development has caught the eye of Manchester United Scouts. It is believed that Maina could go on to become as good a player as City’s Leroy Sane.
Victor Wanyama
Victor Wanyama rose to prominence after his solid performances for Southampton in the Premier League year after year. A defensive midfielder by trait he is well adept at protecting his team’s defence. His ability to sniff out a pass and make interceptions helps his team immensely in recovering possession of the ball.
He has been making steady progress since his debut for Southampton and it was no surprise that Mauricio Pochenttino signed him up for Spurs. It speaks volumes about the quality of the player that a world class manager would want him in his team.
Apart from the players making the country proud Kenyan football fans have one more reason to rejoice. Football betting is a lucrative form of gambling that is about placing smart, strategic bets on teams and players that you believe have a high chance of winning or, alternatively, placing smaller bets on long shots who could pay big. Kenya is currently looking quite a bit like a sure thing as the bookie’s favourite in all upcoming matches so placing bets on them winning these games is a reasonably safe way to double or triple your money.
Even with this in mind, though, any form of betting is a risk, especially to newcomers who aren’t entirely sure about the ins and outs of how sports betting works. As such, to lower your risk even further then looking for online bookies and casinos who provide free bet offers for you to get your bearings with and to make a few risk free bets, is a very smart and responsible idea.
As it stands, Wanyama is the only Kenyan player who has a realistic chance of lifting a major league title in Europe. And there is a certain joy when one among you wins a big competition.
If Spurs win the title Kenyan fans who have bet on them will have two reasons to celebrate. Spurs are still a 16/1 outsider according to the bookies to win the title. This means if they win Kenyan fans who have bet on them will win handsomely.
Gonzalez Athuman
He is not a big name in football but certainly is a very talented and hard working football player. He plays for the Spanish side Las Palmas as a midfielder. His father moved to Spain from Kenya in search of livelihood but never forgot his roots. He encouraged his son to play for the Kenyan national team Harambe Stars.
The talent in Kenyan football is there for all to see. But when it comes to the development of players from an early age the situation is quite miserable. Unless and until the government takes active steps for restructuring the system many a great Kenyan players will remain unknown to the world.