Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has challenged Kenya to invest more in grassroots football, arguing that the country’s strong emphasis on athletics has slowed the growth of the sport despite the abundance of football talent.
Speaking during the finals of the Captain Irene Ndanu Super Cup and Soccer Summit at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, the former Ghana captain said Kenya has the potential to become a football powerhouse if it strengthens youth development structures.
“Kenyan football is doing alright. Statistically, I always compare it with Ghana. Ghana is ahead of Kenya when it comes to football because I think Kenya lacks the basics. There are a lot of talented players here, but it looks like Kenya has focused more on athletics than football,” said Gyan.
The former Udinese and Sunderland striker said his rise from playing football on the streets of Ghana to competing at the highest level was made possible by a strong foundation and structured talent development.
“For me, football is all about the basics. It is the foundation of the game. You teach the kids how to build that strong background from where they want to start. When you have a strong foundation, getting to the professional level becomes much easier,” he said.
Gyan, who now serves as an ambassador for Ghana’s national teams and youth football, warned that Kenya risks losing gifted players because of inadequate support systems.
“People here can play football very well, but when they don’t get support, they give up. That is why projects like this are important because they provide these kids with the basics and a strong background to reach the professional level,” he added.
The 40-year-old praised initiatives such as the Captain Irene Ndanu Super Cup, saying they provide young players with opportunities to be identified, nurtured and guided towards professional careers.
His remarks come as Harambee Stars, under South African coach Benni McCarthy, continue to show signs of progress ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Gyan believes sustained investment in grassroots football could help Kenya build a stronger pipeline of talent capable of competing consistently on the continental stage.
