Ronaldinho Tells FKF, Government To Invest In Grassroots Football

9th November 2018 - by Erick Ochieng

The Brazil legend who is in the country for three days will visit Kisumu City on Saturday

Former international football star, World Cup winner and double FIFA World Player of the Year, Brazil's Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, also known as “Ronaldinho Gaucho" waves during a press conference on November 9, 2018 in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. PHOTO/AFP

SUMMARY

Brazil legend and former Barcelona FC sensation, Ronaldinho, has advised Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Government to put more emphasis on grassroots football if Kenya intend to qualify for FIFA World Cup
The double FIFA World Player of the Year, fondly referred to as Gaucho, said he jetted into the country to inspire millions of upcoming players. That he wants to tell them they can make it despite what is standing on their way
Ronaldinho, who donned a white t-shirt, a black cap and a matching pant, believes the Brazilian team; the Samba would rise again and be a force to reckon with in world football

NAIROBI, Kenya- Brazil legend and former Barcelona FC sensation, Ronaldinho, has advised Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Government to put more emphasis on grassroots football if Kenya intend to qualify for FIFA World Cup.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner said Brazil has managed to be a five-time champion of the global football showpiece because of the youth structures in place to develop the game in his country.

“All the countries and teams that have won the World Cup did not just do it in a day. A long and tedious journey took them to the top.

“Invest in facilities that will improve youth football and kindly be consistent in this,” the 2005/2006 UEFA Champions League winner told SportPesa News at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday evening.

The double FIFA World Player of the Year, fondly referred to as Gaucho, said he jetted into the country to inspire millions of upcoming players. That he wants to tell them they can make it despite what is standing on their way.

“I’m a living proof that dreams can be achieved no matter where you come from. This is my reason for mentoring young people who are on the verge of losing hope in life,” underlined Ronaldinho who spoke through a Brazilian translator.

Ronaldinho, who donned a white t-shirt, a black cap and a matching pant, believes the Brazilian team; the Samba would rise again and be a force to reckon with in world football.

Positive mind

Chris Mwirigwi, a Technical Director at a local gaming firm, hailed the former international football star saying Ronaldinho’s background relates to many Kenyan players striving to make a landmark in SportPesa Premier League and the FKF National Super League.

“Ronaldinho’s presence here is a reminder to the youths that hard work pays. That they can go places with football if they put more effort.

“We hope that his visit will inspire many to embrace the sport with a positive mind set,” Mwirigwi emphasised.

Extreme Sports CEO, Hussein Mohamed, advised the former attacking midfielder to enjoy a variety of Kenyan cuisine and the wild life in his stay in the country. Ronaldinho is scheduled to visit Kisumu City on Saturday and would be back in Nairobi on Sunday.