By MACHARIA MWANGI in Naivasha

  At the Buffalo Shopping Mall off the Naivasha-Maai Mahiu road, diverse activities are taking place within the premises.

Buyers are checking in and out of the renowned mall, highlighting the "heavy traffic flow" within the outlet.

In the backyard of the modern purchasing outlet, budding football players, some as young as seven, are being taken through their paces by hawk-eyed tacticians.

The enthusiasm among the youngsters is palpable as they get into intense "drilling” sessions.

Tanzania-bound New Hope Soccer Academy players pose for a group photo after training session at Buffalo Mall grounds in Naivasha

Watching them is eye-catching, with an obvious talent among the players on trials.

The young footballers, gearing for an invite to play in Tanzania, have to prove their worth to the selecting coaches.

The Naivasha-based New Hope Soccer Academy has landed an invite to play in the East African Chipkizi Cup tournament that brings together several East, Central and South African teams.

The competition slated for December 9 to 15 will bring together the Under-7, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 teams, with international scouts expected to be in attendance. 

Giving a brief about the tournament, New Hope Soccer Academy head coach, Joseph Mwaura, said they had stepped up preparations ahead of the tournament. 

Some of the Tanzania-bound New Hope Soccer Academy players in action during a training session at the Buffalo Mall grounds in Naivasha.

“Given that those expected to feature in the tournament have been in school, the only time we can train them is during the school holidays,” he said. 

Mwaura pointed out that they had intensified preparations at three camps, namely Kinungi, Buffalo Mall and Maai Mahiu within Naivasha.

"We want to come up with a formidable side that will compete competitively. We just don’t want to participate, but also to bring trophies home," said the tactician. 

Last year, the team made their maiden appearance in the 14th edition of the East African Chipkizi Cup, taking a bow at the semi-final stages in the Under-13 category.

"We are building on last year's experience, hoping to post an improved performance. We are also taking two more categories, the Under-9 and Under-11," said the team's head coach.

"We are appealing for sponsors to come on board to help actualize the dreams of the talented boys, majority of whom are from vulnerable backgrounds," he said.

The number of those slated to travel next week is 50, including members of the technical bench.

He said they had been visiting several schools scouting for the best talent, embarking on an intensive training in the month of November ahead of the international tournament at the neighbouring country, Tanzania. 

Among those that coach Mwaura has scouted, Wayne Odour, who got enrolled at secondary schools football powerhouse St Anthony’s Kitale.

He was a trialist in Kenya’s Under-15 national team, signalling his potential although he did not make the final cut.

In action, the slightly built footballer is a joy to watch with deft touches and great positioning.

The teenager can be easily picked out from the fresh-faced football hopefuls due to his stature.

During last year's tournament, 11 countries took part in the 10-day tournament, with Cameroon among the participating teams. 

Coach Mwaura a CAF ‘D’ coaching licence holder, said they were creating an elite pathway for talented football players within the age set-up.

"Our ultimate goal is to help actualize the dreams of talented boys to play professional football someday. Grassroot coaching is an opportunity to identify and nurture talents," he said.