Blog: Do we really need foreign legion?

We are again at the juncture where we need to go back to the drawing board as regards the national football team.

Dissapointing results have once again seen us out of the reckoning for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa 2013.

The national football authorities have already said that they will blood a new team, with evidence enough seen in the Kenya Development team that played Botswana last week.

Most of the players are from our local clubs which is good as they need exposure to perform well in the long- run.

Professional players?

However, there is the little problem of creating space for the European based legion which in most cases leads to the elimination of the locals from the final roster ahead of matches which because of the behaviour of some of the players leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth. 

For instance some of the pros have made it a habit of arriving in camp rather late and end up bulldozing their way into the team, which obviously reduces the confidence and morale of the players who have been in camp throughout.  

I believe some of these issues should be critically addressed by the relevant authorities considering first and foremost that the local based players usually have a longer time together hence making it easier to gel and understand each other particularly in the aspects of fielding and pattern.

Get rid of foreign based players

Given the circumstances, wouldn't it be a wise thing to deal more with locals and let them have a run for it, just like in the CECAFA competitions?

The important thing here is that in as much as these are serious tourneys, the juniors need to have a feel of the big time so that they get exposed. It is not quite a gamble in the long term because even the foreign squad begun from home. 

The best thing would be to fuse them (locally based players) for a while as they learn from the best and then gradually shed off the pros, as obviously there will be a host of new guys looking to prove a thing or two and ready themselves for available slots.

Step aside..

Many of our stars should take a cue from the former national team skipper and defensive libero, Musa Otieno who retired at his prime to give way to the upcoming players.

It is a sign of gratitude and maturity in the long term. Right now he is a very respectable individual both at home and abroad because of his service and authority. 

The idea is simple really, do your thing and then let go…..you surely will command ADORATION!

Over to you gentlemen, you know who you are...