The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has responded to concerns regarding the exclusion of two Junior Starlets from the national team headed to the Dominican Republic for an upcoming tournament.
Speaking to sports journalist Carol Radull, FKF explained that the two girls were left out due to a drop in form.
FKF revealed that national team scouts had closely monitored the National Schools games in Kisii last month. During these games, they identified 12 players who demonstrated exceptional talent.
These players were subsequently called into the national camp alongside others to be evaluated for the final team selection. However, only two of the 12 were selected to represent Kenya, as head coach Mildred Cheche prioritized assembling the strongest possible squad for the tournament.
“This all makes perfect sense,” said Radull, echoing the rationale provided by FKF. “All national teams aim to field their best possible side, regardless of who helped them qualify.” However, Radull highlighted several areas where FKF could have handled the situation better.
Communication Issues Raised
Radull pointed out that the two excluded girls found out they would not be traveling in an unprofessional manner. “The girls claimed they saw their colleagues going to embassies to get visas, but their turn to go never came,” she explained. At the time, all the players were still in camp, and there were no official updates from the FKF regarding their status.
Radull emphasized the importance of clear and timely communication, particularly when dealing with teenage athletes. “These are young girls, not senior teams. Regular updates and clear explanations to both the players and their parents are crucial in such situations.”
Broken Promises?
Adding to the frustration, Radull shared an allegation from a parent who attended a celebratory dinner at Carnivore, where former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba reportedly assured the team that they would not be broken up after qualifying. While Radull acknowledged that she did not witness this promise firsthand, she stressed that if such assurances were made, they could have raised the girls’ expectations unrealistically.
Radull suggested that the emphasis after qualification should have been placed on maintaining top form to secure a spot in the final squad.
Hope for a Positive Outcome
In a turn of events, Radull shared a late update after being contacted by Sports CS Murkomen, who promised to sponsor the two girls’ trip to the World Cup as supporters, provided their absence from school is appropriately managed.
“We need to be sensitive about how we groom talent,” Radull added, underscoring the importance of nurturing young athletes without killing their dreams. “For all you know, these two could one day become mega superstars.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required when managing young athletes’ careers and ensuring that decisions are communicated transparently and compassionately.