- Former Harambee Stars goalie Washington Muhanji is confident that Kenya can improve its goalkeeping standards if the department puts proper structures in place
Muhanji emphasizes on the need to have special academies for goalkeepers citing examples of advanced European leagues which have facilities to equip the goalkeepers as they play in challenging position.
Based on his experienced Muhanji believes that football in the country will witness unmatched heights if the fraternity pays attention to goalkeeping. According to him, this department needs to be invested in.
The former shot-stopper featured for AFC Leopards and Scarlet FC he understands what challenges goalkeepers in the country face as he has traveled the journey before.
“Locally, we depend on schools, which are doing great work in nurturing talent and I urge them to maintain that spirit for the growth of local football and individual players,” narrated Muhanji.
“Recently, we have seen the emergence of Arnold Origi, Patrick Matasi, Boniface Olouch, Faruk Shikalo among others who are currently inspiring other upcoming shot-stoppers in the country,” he added.
According to Muhanji, there is a lot of goalkeeping talent at a basic level. The challenge is, most of the talent goes to waste as they lack a platform to nurture and develop the abilities thus, structures should be put in place.
Muhanji urged the young stars and upcoming goalkeepers to keep the willpower and discipline to reach the highest possible level as they hope for things to get better.
The former goalie called on Football Kenya Federation and Kenya Premier League limited and non-governmental stakeholders to put in place action plans that will ensure football in the country does not stagnate.
Muhanji has kept his passion for the sport alive as he currently serves on the technical bench of Musingu High School. He did not make it clear whether he has plans of venturing into football management at the coaching level.