Chrispin Wesonga is a man who is out to revive football in Nakuru. This he does by exposing under-18 boys and girls to quality football training.

As we walk around the Nakuru Athletics Club pitch, where Wesonga and other coaches train children signed with Nakuru City Football Academy, he recalls some of the stars Nakuru has produced.

Chrispin Wesonga a football coach in Nakuru.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Some of them are former Gor Mahia winger Mike Otieno, to brothers Mike Obonyo and Isaiah Omondi.

Read: The power of inter-estate football matches in Nakuru East

Others include Curtis Osano who played for English side Reading FC and Luton Town among other teams, John Mo Muiruri, former Tusker FC and Utalii FC midfielder and Moss FK player in Norway.

Citing the success Nakuru has had before, Wesonga believes that with the right intervention, Nakuru can regain its glorious moments.

In 2011, Wesonga began his journey of advancing football in the city, in partnership with some Denmark-based football enthusiasts and Mr. Muthui.

Wesonga notes he was motivated because he realized Nakuru has talented young stars who can play football in the European and Western levels, adding that if the talent is tapped and nurtured well the future is promising.

The Academy which was started in 2020, has brought in coaches who offer dedicated training for both boys and girls between 5 and 17 years in each age cluster.

Coach Wesonga offers training to under 18 boys and girls in football.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Wesonga says, “The academy is a Premier football training academy that is dedicated to developing the skills of children while providing a safe and nurturing environment where young players can learn and grow, both on and off the field.

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He adds that the academy has also been able to support children from the informal settlements who are greatly talented but have limited access to training facilities and equipment and offer them exposure to national and international competitions.

As it is, this year two of the boys from the academy have been scouted and called to Nastic Football Academy in Barcelona, Spain where they will get to further their football career.

Asked about the status of football in Nakuru County, Wesonga says football is not dead.

“The future holds more opportunities for young stars from Nakuru. You remember Godson Chagema who recently appeared in international football for goalkeeper’s trials for Manchester United? Bigger stars are rising from Nakuru,” he says with excitement in his voice.

Related: Seasoned goalkeeper passes the gloves to upcoming footballers in Nakuru

The CAF 'D' License holder has played and coached at St Josephs, coached at Egerton University, Nakuru All Stars, Bucks FC, Nakuru City Football Academy, and Nakuru City Queens.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Nakuru coach who transforms boys and girls to international football stars

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