Mombasa: Football stakeholders have called for increased investment at grassroots, youth, and women's football to strengthen the sport's development across Africa. Speaking during the fourth edition of the Africa Football Business Summit in Mombasa, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed emphasized the federation's dedication to channeling more resources toward nurturing young talents and improving governance structures within the sport.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mohammed highlighted the ongoing major restructuring within FKF aimed at promoting accountability and professionalism in football management. "Our focus as a federation will be to invest in youth football. We are restructuring the federation to ensure strong governance systems, and in the coming months, there will be significant investment in youth and women's football," he stated. He also mentioned that FKF is investing in data analytics and modern administrative systems to enhance efficiency in football management.
The FKF president announced plans to launch a regional beach football tournament to be hosted in the Coast region, acknowledging the area's progress in developing the sport. "This region has shown us that it is possible to fix football through collaboration and cooperation. We thank the Mombasa branch leadership for their efforts in promoting the game," he added.
Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) and FIFA Technical Development Committee member, praised Kenya's football leadership and called for stronger collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in promoting football globally. Glean emphasized the shared heritage and potential for these regions to dominate the global football space.
Hussein also urged Kenyans to support the Harambee Starlets in their upcoming qualifier match against Gambia at Nyayo Stadium, expressing confidence in the team's promise and potential to make the nation proud.
Summit organizer and Football Foundation for Africa CEO Brian Wesaala expressed the event's goal to unite stakeholders from across Africa to foster ideas and promote investment in football. He extended gratitude to event sponsors for their ongoing support in football development initiatives.
The two-day summit in Mombasa attracted football administrators, investors, and partners from Africa and the Caribbean, with discussions centering on governance, youth empowerment, and building a sustainable football economy across the continent.