Football Kenya Federation (FKF)-trained and certified scout Francis Obado says watching players he identified go on to represent Kenya at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan has given him fresh motivation to pursue his ambitions in football talent development.Obado, who had goalkeeper Elvis Odhiambo, Bleza Barack, Duncan Muya and Javan Ochieng on his scouting list, believes their performances on the international stage have validated his work and strengthened his confidence in his ability to identify promising footballers.##NAJAVA_MECA_10101473##The Nyakach Girls coach says seeing the youngsters he had identified compete at a global tournament was a rewarding experience and a reminder that his work in grassroots football can produce meaningful results."Seeing the boys I scouted play on the world stage is impressive and a great morale booster. It motivates me and reassures me that the work I am doing is quality work and not just an ordinary job.I am thankful, and I pray for more wisdom and the qualities needed to give Kenyans even better players in the future," Obado told Mozzart Sport.The experience has also given the young talent identifier a broader vision of what he can achieve beyond scouting for the federation.Obado now wants to explore the possibility of establishing an academy and a players' agency to help nurture and create opportunities for some of the promising talents he has encountered in his scouting work.AFC Leopards chairman Ambani explains his single vote against Mariga's ousterHe believes there are many gifted youngsters who may not necessarily get an opportunity through FKF's talent identification structures, creating room for independent initiatives to complement the federation's efforts."To be honest, it was a morale booster and an eye-opener. Seeing players I identified when nobody knew them go out there and represent the country made me realise that I have the ability to identify talent.I am now looking to work with like-minded people with whom we can establish an agency or a scouting pathway for these youngsters. I have seen many talented players, and FKF cannot reach all of them. But as an individual, I believe I can do something more, especially after this latest success," he added.For the gaffer, the next step is to turn that renewed confidence into something bigger, with the possibility of building structures that can support young footballers beyond simply identifying their potential.His growing ambitions come after Kenya's encouraging campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, where the Patrick Nyale-coached side emerged as the highest-ranked nation from the CECAFA region.Mariga, six others ousted at chaotic FKF SGM in MeruKenya finished 26th overall among 189 participating countries, recording five wins, two draws, and three defeats in 10 matches while scoring 27 goals.The young Harambee Stars topped Group Z after going unbeaten in the opening stage before advancing to the Tier A classification phase.They finished ahead of nine other CECAFA nations, with South Sudan their closest regional challengers in 48th position. Uganda ranked 69th, Rwanda 80th, Somalia 100th, Burundi 104th, Tanzania 114th, Sudan 140th, Ethiopia 162nd, and Djibouti 170th.##NAJAVA_MECA_10098551##Captain Innocent Media was among Kenya's standout performers, scoring nine goals during the competition.The team received a hero's welcome upon returning to Nairobi, capping an impressive maiden appearance at the global youth festival.Spain eventually claimed the overall Tier A title after defeating Czechia 3-0 in the final.