Optimism as FKF Elite Youth League resumes

The second edition of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Elite Youth League officially began at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday, with several teams gracing the occasion.

FKF Nairobi County secretary general Dickson Doyo described the opening day of the competition as a huge success, saying it highlighted better things the federation had in store for local football enthusiasts.

Doyo revealed that the local governing body is mulling over ways to expand the competition to other regions of the nation and, if feasible, devolve it to the ward level.

“The Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 FKF Elite Youth League’s second season is being introduced today. In essence, what we’re attempting to do is modernize youth leagues across the nation.”

Doyo expressed satisfaction with the number of participants who turned out to showcase their talent.

He sought to allay fears that limiting national team selection to players participating in the league might lock out several others who were not taking part in the competition.

“All Kenyan teams will have the chance to demonstrate their talent, and they will also be taken into consideration when forming the junior national teams.” Doyo stated that sufficient safeguards had been put in place by the federation to ensure the leagues ran without any operational hiccups.

“We’ll treat the Under-13 group like a festival. The competitions will take place at one location with all teams present and last all day.”

He lauded the whole idea of rolling out the program saying it would unearth and ensure a constant supply of quality players to the national teams and top-tier clubs.

“The Under-15 and Under-17 teams, however, play in eleven-aside formations, so it will be challenging to get them all to the same venue. Therefore, we will use various locations on various days for them.”