Overview:
Nine football academies took part and scouts on the invitation of Kayemba, a FIFA certified football agent were left impressed and could offer opportunities to the players discovered from the U-17 tournament.
A host European based scouts and former professional footballers where left impressed with the quality of talent in Uganda after watching over 250 players exhibit in the Somewhere in Africa Talent Search tournament.
The three-day event organised by Somewhere in Africa Sports Agency director Hon. Geoffrey Kayemba Solo, a Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi South and Shadow Sports Minister rounded off at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo on Friday.
Nine football academies took part and scouts on the invitation of Kayemba, a FIFA certified football agent were left impressed and could offer opportunities to the players discovered from the U-17 tournament.
“As you are aware, my main job is player agency,” started Kayemba while addressing the media and representatives of all the academies that took part.
“We all know how difficult to join those top European leagues at a latter age and this is why I invited my friends, credible football scouts from Europe, mainly Belgium and Croatia to come and witness and maybe pick a few good players who we need to have in Europe at a young age,” he added.
“They have been here since Wednesday and they have been impressed with a couple of players and we hope they can start a dream for us a country if they get them clubs and in the future play in the top leagues.”
One of the scouts, Mathias Chago, who played for Cameroon Indomitable Lions and succeeded at Dinamo Zagreb amongst other sides in Europe said; “I am happy to come to Uganda and see these young talents. We have made observations and these young lads have potential and quality but they need to be guided about some football aspects.”
Chago also spoke to the coaches and cautioned them to give the kids proper training at such a young age if they are to play at top level.
“If the players don’t have the right training that will hinder their performances in future.”
Ghanaian Bennard Kumordzi based in Belgium also told the coaches to focus on teaching the lads tactical awareness, resilience and working hard stating that he has been impressed with a few lads.
“We’re not just after flair. We’re looking for players who understand the game tactically, who are quick, focused, and resilient,” said Kumordzi who played over 300 times at top level with KRC Genk, Dijon in France, IFK Norrkoping among sides in Europe scoring over 60 goals from a midfield position.
Godfrey Walusimbi, who is now part of the Somewhere in Africa staff after retirement from football cautioned the youngster to take this opportunity with open hands.
“This is a rare opportunity for a young player to get that European dream and it is time for these young lads to showcase their abilities.
“They have that potential but like the scouts have stated they need to improve more on their game intelligence if they are to achieve their goals.”
Proline Soccer Academy, Rays of Grace Academy, Edgars Soccer Academy, KCCA FC, URA FC soccer academy, Ebenezer soccer academy and Kyadondo Soccer Academy were some of the academies present.
Kayemba promised that going forward, this talent search will be played annually.