Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant and seasoned football administrator Tom Alila has made a passionate call for the national team, Harambee Stars, technical bench to embrace youthful talent as the country prepares for the upcoming CHAN 2025 and Afcon 2027 tournaments.
Alila, who once served as a National Executive Council (NEC) member representing Nyanza during Sam Nyamweya’s tenure, believes that ushering in a new generation of players is key to elevating Kenyan football to continental prominence.
He however called for a calculated approach to ensure seamless integration of the new faces in the team, if the country is to have an all-conquering squad ahead of the two tournaments.
“The national coach must now focus on young, local players. CHAN is the right platform for them. Someone like Olunga is experienced, yes, but it’s time we build the next generation. The coach must scout our leagues and give local players a chance,” he said.
The CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for locally-based players, kicks off in August with Kenya co-hosting alongside regional neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
It presents a timely opportunity for Kenya to showcase its homegrown talent on the continental stage.
Alila’s remarks echo the vision shared by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy during his unveiling.
The South African tactician outlined his intent to collaborate closely with FKF Premier League coaches and attend the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament to scout promising talents.
“I want to spend a lot of time getting to know the FKF Premier League coaches. They work with the players every day, and we need to collaborate to bring up young talent. I’m planning to attend the African Under-20 Championship to identify players who can shape our CHAN squad—even if it means bringing in half or the whole team,” he said then.
Beyond the national team setup, Alila has also revived a longstanding plea he made during his FKF presidential campaign—embedding football development within the school system.
“Our Junior Starlets, many of whom featured in the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, were nurtured in schools,” he noted.
“That’s why I push for school-based football programs. Academies can complement the effort, but schools have the reach and structure.”
He also voiced concern about the decline of community-based clubs in Kenyan football, where the top-flight is now dominated by corporate-backed teams.
“Apart from Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and maybe Shabana, the rest are mostly corporate teams,” Alila lamented. “That disconnect from the community is why fan support isn’t as strong. We need more community-rooted clubs to rebuild that passion.”
Alila emphasized his unwavering support for local talent, urging a shift away from an overreliance on foreign coaches and players.
“Why go for foreign players and coaches when we have talent right here? Look at Bajaber Mohammed – just two appearances and already making waves. I’m a big believer in local potential.”
On a more positive note, Alila acknowledged encouraging signs within the FKF under its current leadership, particularly the adoption of digital innovation.
“The federation is moving in the right direction. E-ticketing is a promising innovation, and we are already seeing increased turnout at stadiums,” he said. “Kenyans love football. Just look at the turnout during the derby.”
By Evans Opwero
