Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan blame Kenya for neglecting football over athletics. [Courtesy]
Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has blamed Kenya's emphasis on athletics for the country's slow progress in football, saying the lack of strong grassroots structures has left Kenyan football without the basics needed to compete with Africa's top nations.
Speaking during the finals of the Captain Irene Ndanu Super Cup and Soccer Summit at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, Gyan said Kenya possesses immense football talent but has failed to build a solid foundation to develop young players into professionals.
"Kenyan football is doing alright. Statistically, I always compare it with Ghana. Ghana is ahead of Kenya when it comes to football because I think Kenya lacks the basics. There are a lot of talented players here, but it looks like Kenya has focused more on athletics than football," said Gyan.
The former Ghana captain insisted that grassroots football is the backbone of every successful football nation, arguing that young players must first master the fundamentals before progressing to elite competition.
"For me, when it comes to football, it is all about the basics. It is the foundation of the game," he said. "Grassroots is where you learn the basics. You teach the kids how to have that strong background from where they want to start. When you have a strong background, getting to the professional level becomes much easier."
Gyan, who began his own career playing street football in Ghana before earning a move to Europe, said Kenya risks losing many gifted players because of inadequate support systems.
"People here can play football very well, but when they don't get support, they give up. That is why projects like this are important because they provide these kids with the basics and a strong background to reach the professional level," he said.