Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee Highlights Football Education Gaps in Kenya Following AFCON Failure

Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has called for a structural overhaul in Kenyan football, emphasising the importance of early player development as the cornerstone for long-term success. 

Mulee's comments follow Kenya's unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Polokwane.

The Harambee Stars ended their Group J campaign with just five points, finishing third behind Zimbabwe and group leaders Namibia. Reflecting on this setback, Mulee pinpointed the lack of foundational football education as a critical shortcoming for Kenyan players.

Mulee highlighted that Kenyan players frequently begin their football education too late, leaving them ill-prepared for the tactical and technical challenges of high-level competitions.

"I can't blame Ronney; that's just how our football is," Mulee said, referencing a moment in the match against Zimbabwe when right winger Ronney Onyango squandered a golden chance to take the lead, allowing Zimbabwe to score first on a counterattack shortly after.

“He did the right thing, went past two players but did the wrong thing. He shot the ball aimlessly. Less than a minute later, Zimbabwe scored. The guy that scored just looked at where (Harambee Stars goalkeeper) Bryne (Omondi) was and shot the ball into the back of the net—not with power, but precision.”

Mulee lamented that many talented players in Kenya struggle to reach their potential due to inadequate development structures.  “Some players in Kenya are talented but have suffered because of lack of football development, which has killed our football,” he explained.

Mulee raised concerns about whether Kenya's many academies have qualified coaches to properly train young players.

“I know we have a lot of Academies and kids being played. But who are handling our future stars? Do they have the knowledge? Are they imparting the right coaching at the youth level? Because that is the most important thing,” he said.

Mulee's concerns are longstanding. In September on the Oga Obina Show, he emphasized that inadequate football education has consistently hindered Kenyan players in their efforts to transition to European leagues.

“One of the reasons why our players struggle in Europe is because we take our rough diamonds,” Mulee said.  “Football education is still a challenge in Kenyan football. Our players start when it is very late. The foundation is the most important thing that we have been falling short on.”

Mulee’s insights highlight the urgent need for Kenya to invest in early football education, with a focus on tactical, technical, and psychological preparation. His plea underscores the belief that nurturing players from a young age, much like academic learning, is crucial for producing athletes capable of competing on the world stage.

As Harambee Stars fans contemplate the team's AFCON disappointment, Mulee’s comments highlight that long-term success necessitates a solid developmental foundation, not just talent, to refine Kenya's “rough diamonds.”

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ DAN ~