Former Harambee Stars defender Eric Masika is among the beneficiaries of a coaching training programme courtesy of FKF NEC member Chris Amimo during a ten days exercise under the CAF D Coaching Course at Rowallan Camp.
Eric Masika started his football career in 2009 and played as a defender for both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. After retiring as a footballer, he started coaching in Kibra where he used his knowledge as a player to help empower some of the young footballers in his area. However, this was not enough for him- he needed to see the game from a different perspective.
On hearing about a CAF D coaching course being prepared for the coaches in Kibra, he submitted his papers for the course and joined the class under the tutelage of FIFA/FKF Instructors Leonard Odipo and George Mwangi.
“Getting this opportunity as a former player is a very big step for me and I want to thank FKF for making it happen. At least former players can now have a platform where they can advance to the next step of their football careers and help see through the vision of improving the quality of play in our grassroot, which in the long run, will be seen even at the National level,” said Masika.
Masika’s passion for football and coaching instantly brings to mind comparisons with Man City Manager Pep Guardiola. You can see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice.
“The skills I have received will make a big difference in the work I am trying to do especially with the young kids in Kibera. I am in a stronger position to build a team and help these players grow,” he added.
He continued to say, “There are plenty of young people with the desire to play and even the talent but there is no one to nurture them and give them a strong football foundation.”
The CAF D coaching course was brought to Kibra by the Football Kenya Federation Nairobi West Branch in conjunction with Kibra MP Imran Okoth and saw over 40 grassroot coaches trained and duly certified.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
