Former Nairobi City Stars midfielder and Posta Rangers head of global partnership and sponsorship Herbert Kunga has outlined what Kenya needs to do to start reaping big from football investment.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsHe says the country must first change its approach to the administration and management of the game.Kunga’s remarks come as Kenyan football fans continue to wait for the start of the new season across all league structures, with league kick-off having been delayed amid ongoing court cases.##NAJAVA_MECA_9944531##The standoff has made it difficult for the federation to get the leagues underway and has already seen the season kick-off postponed twice.The sports marketer argues that simply changing the people occupying football offices will not transform the gameHe insists that meaningful change must begin with a shift in mindset among those running clubs.16-year-old Kenyan referee appeals for help to realise officiating dream“Football will not change because we change the people sitting in the offices. It will change when we change the mindset of those running the clubs. It will take two generations of strong, professional football administration to fundamentally transform our football ecosystem,” he explained to Mozzart Sport.Kunga believes the league needs at least 10 experienced club CEOs with a broader understanding of the football business, particularly in areas such as governance, commercialisation, revenue generation, player development, sponsorships, branding and sports business.Gor Mahia wipe away CAF Champions League defeat to Egyptian giants with millions of shillings“It will take at least 10 experienced club CEOs who understand football beyond the pitch, CEOs who understand governance, commercialisation, revenue generation, player development, sponsorships, branding and the business of sport, to genuinely transform the league,” he added.He has also challenged club chairmen to change how they view their players, arguing that footballers should be treated as the most valuable assets within their clubs rather than placing greater emphasis on offices, stadiums, club badges or shirts.“And it will take time for some club chairmen to understand one fundamental truth: the most valuable asset in your football club is the footballer. Not the office, not the stadium, not the club badge, not even the shirt,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936494##According to Kunga, players are the foundation of the sporting, commercial and media value generated by clubs, making their development and welfare central to the growth of the game.“The player is the asset that creates sporting value, commercial value, media value and ultimately the value of the club itself,” he explained.Forgotten Harambee Stars striker leaves Swedish club after six appearances in five yearsHe believes clubs must therefore invest in their players by developing them professionally, protecting their welfare, building their personal brands and creating career pathways that allow them to generate value.“Until clubs begin investing in players as assets, developing them professionally, protecting their welfare, building their personal brands and creating pathways for them to generate value, we will continue to operate football as a cost centre instead of a business,” he added.He adds Kenya has no shortage of football talent, but the bigger challenge is turning that talent into sustainable value through professional leadership and proper structures.Former Harambee Stars midfielder obtains UEFA A coaching license in Belgium“The transformation of football starts with professional leadership, strong governance and a deliberate decision to treat talent as an investment, not an expense. The question is not whether our football has talent. The question is whether our leadership knows how to turn that talent into value,” he concluded.Before moving into sports management, Kunga was an active footballer, playing as a defender for Ligi Ndogo in the National Super League and Nairobi City Stars in the Kenyan Premier League.Charlton coach blames Harambee Stars midfielder after costly error in 4-0 Stoke defeatAfter retiring from active football, he moved into sports business and founded Kano Sports Marketing Ltd and the Wacheza Tu Invest initiative, which mentors players on financial planning.He also worked as the Kenyan market lead for international sportswear company Mafro Sports.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936564##Kunga, a former Sofapaka CEO, later joined Posta Rangers, where he currently serves as head of global partnership and sponsorship.
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