This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Published on August 27, 2019, four Kenyan youngsters have been nominated to the prestigious Dream Football Academy.
The youngsters, two boys and one girl, were scouted during the annual Compassionate International sports in Voi at Taita Taveta University last week.
They will join a team of 44 Kenyans who will be enrolled for a boot camp in November for vigorous training in order to sharpen their football skills.
Among the benefits the youngsters get is physical training and having the opportunities to be trained by the best coaches in the world.
Fourteen of the 44 will be taken for specialised training at Louis Figo Academy in Portugal, which is owned by legendary footballer Luis Figo.
The lucky young footballers could not hide their excitement as their names were read out as the winners.
"I have always nurtured the dream of becoming a professional footballer from an early age. This is definitely a dream come true. I Will utilise this opportunity and showcase my talent and, who knows, this could be the next Mariga Kenya will celebrate," said 14-year-old Chidzidzingo Kombo.
"I gave it my best when I was in the field. Little did I know they were recording me because they had been impressed by my talent. I felt very good when my name was mentioned as a winner. I have always wanted to play for a big team, including my favourite team Chelsea," said 14-year-old Kadongo Kutingala.
"It will give me the chance I have always wanted to get in life. I feel that it will enable me to showcase my talent in the global arena and get scouted more by big clubs. It will also help me sharpen my talent," said Raphael Kasana, 14.
"The young children have shown impressive talent. Many have the potential to play in the international arena. I am positive that some of them will end up playing in major leagues and different clubs," said Boniface Mwenda, the Dream Football Kenya Operations Manager.
