Garissa County team that participated in the Talanta Hela tournament yesterday received Sh500,000 in cash award.
The Talanta Hela is a government talent development initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Arts and Sports. It aims at monetizing talents in Kenya by identifying, nurturing, and developing them thus, enabling youth to earn a decent livelihood.
Each of the 23 members of the football team will receive Sh17,399 for participating in the tournament.
But it was all smiles for Nurdin Ibrahim Hassan, 17, a budding footballer who was selected to join 49 other footballers from the 47 counties for a 21-day international football academy in Spain.
Talking to KNA, Hassan said he was excited about flying outside the country for the academy and possible prospects of joining a Spanish football club.
“I started playing football when I was a child and I have always been on the field. I have been balancing football and school,” Hassan said.
“I am done with the registration and application for the passport and visa. I am ready to go for trials in Spain,” he added.
Andres Iniesta who was in the Spanish squad that won the World Cup in 2014 remains his role model. He is optimistic that while in Spain, he will have an opportunity to meet him.
“I am a striker and I have all my playing tricks from Iniesta. I hope to meet him when I get to Spain,” he said.
Hassan has played for several local teams in Masalani sub-county before he was selected to join the Garissa county team.
His advice to youngsters with an interest in football is for them to be focused and disciplined.
“Football is a talent and it requires discipline and focus for you to achieve much in your life,” he said.
He thanked the National government Talanta Hela initiative for giving him an opportunity to showcase his talent.
The Talanta Hela sports segment is being implemented by the Kenya Academy of Sports in collaboration with other key stakeholders.
So far the initiative has successfully rolled out two programs including The National Sports Talent Camp and the Talanta Hela Football Tournament.
By Jacob Songok
