This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, Kenyan Premier League side KCB and youth talent development academy Protege Football Club (PFC) entered into a long-term partnership that will see the latter become the Bankers' official youth team.
The partnership was unveiled following the end of trials at the KCB Leadership Centre, which attracted over 100 budding footballers from across the country.
Of the many talented young players who participated in the trials, 36 were selected and recruited into the academy, joining a number of youngsters who already call PFC their home.
"The selected players will be integrated into the system and not only benefit from a program that takes their talent to the next level but also improves on their mental, physical and social strengths," said PFC Director Steve Othoro.
Since 2008, PFC has managed to have over 80 players who have played for their national teams, with five making their appearances at the Fifa World Cup.
"It is this level of success that we envisage for the players we are working with," Othoro added.
Coaches at KCB were part of the selection process, and the club is upbeat that PFC will continue to mint top players who can be absorbed into the senior team and find opportunities in the league and abroad.
"We are extremely excited to work with PFC who have already shown they have the personnel and skills set to develop players from such tender ages," said KCB Team Manager Bramwel Mbirira.
The partnership is also in line with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) club licensing rules, which requires topflight clubs to invest in and have fully-functional youth structures.
