NAIROBI, Kenya, October 27- The four young Kenyans selected for a two week Manchester United camp in Dar-es-Salaam have expressed their desire and pine to attend the once in a lifetime opportunity.
The four, who were selected during the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association national term 2B games, said the opportunity was an eye opener that would help them hone their football skills.
Naim Ashraf from Milimani Secondary School, Mzee Ali Rama of Tononoka High School together with Matuu Memorial School’s Naomi Njeri and Jera Secondary School’s Emily Auma added that the tour would also help them achieve their dreams.
Speaking during their unveiling, Njeri expressed her anxiety at attending the camp, which has been sponsored by Airtel Kenya.
“I hope to one day participate in the girl’s world cup and also become the best lady footballer in the world. This camp opportunity has made me realize that anything is possible,” said the excited 15 year old.
Ashraf, who has been playing football since he was five years old, on his part argued that the camp would set the groundwork for him to play world class football through which he would be able to lift his family’s living conditions.
The 15 year old added that he was privileged by the opportunity accorded to him.
“I feel like this is the chance I have been waiting for all my life and I think this is the chance that will enable me help my family live a better life. But at first I thought it was a dream,” quipped Ashraf who plays the striker or midfielder position for his school team.
Auma on her part said she would continue working hard and not deter on her ambitions of becoming a world class footballer.
She also lauded her schoolmates and team mates for their support noting that her success would not have come easy without their help.
“They are really excited and as one of their own was selected and they have nicknamed me ‘Messi’. I worked very hard and I had been praying for this opportunity so I sort of expected it,” said the 15 year old, who also plays striker or midfielder.
Sixteen year old Rama, who plays position eight for his school team, said he believed the opportunity would help him nurture his talents and help him take care of his family.
Rama also said that the training camp provided a great opportunity for him which he had never had since he started playing football when he was around 10 years old.
“I hope to use football to assist build my family and the society and also orphans in addition to building a school,” he said.
Meanwhile Airtel Kenya Chief Operating Officer Shivan Bhargava challenged other companies to nurture young talent by offering such sponsorships.
“This programme is designed to provide a structured platform for scouts, coaches, football authorities and other partners to tap into a vast pool of upcoming talent and we want to continue towards building all-round Kenyan players who will help move the game to the next level,” he said.
– By Sarah Ndonga
