'Let us emulate Uganda and South Sudan' - Bolo to Kenyan football administrators

Sally Bolo has challenged the responsible authorities to improve their structures if they are to emulate Uganda as far as youth football is concerned.

Uganda have been dominating the region in youth football; after playing in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, the team went on to win the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) U20 championship.

On Wednesday, the Hippos were crowned after beating hosts Tanzania 4-1 in the final.

"One notable thing in [Uganda] squad is that they had five players in the current squad who were part of the U17 side that played at the 2019 U17 Afcon in Tanzania namely Gavin Kizito, Jack Komakech, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba and Najib Yiga. Congrats to them," Bolo said on Thursday.

"This only means that there is consistency in team selection and progression as required by Caf Club Licensing.

"Uganda have football structures, we have witnessed they have leagues from Under 15, 17, and 20. We can pick some lessons from them."

The former Gor Mahia treasurer has also lauded South Sudan for their input in the game. They finished third in the competition after defeating Kenya's Rising Stars 2-1.

"The virgin land of South Sudan is also getting it right and you can see that from the on the pitch results," Bolo continued.

"Patience is also very important when building something. Let us not do things hurriedly and we will also start enjoying our fruits just like our neighbors are doing.

"There is no magic, we just need to get the basics right by developing football from the grassroots." 

Kenya fell in the third-place playoffs to South Sudan in Arusha to register a second loss in the annual competition after they had fallen 3-1 to Uganda in the semi-finals.

South Sudan went ahead in the second minute courtesy of Phillip Biajo’s goal but Stanley Okumbi’s side fought and equalised in the 10th minute when Nicholas Ochieng found the back of the net.

Nelson Elia scored five minutes prior to the half-time break to give South Sudan the lead yet again and Rising Stars’ concerted efforts in the second half were not able to help them level matters.