Boniface Oluoch, a former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia goalkeeper, has expressed deep concern about the current state of goalkeeping in Kenya, highlighting that the country may face significant challenges in finding a top goalkeeper for the national team in the near future. According to Oluoch, the quality of goalkeepers in Kenya has drastically declined, and the situation is worrying for the future of the sport in the country.
When Oluoch was actively playing, Kenya had a wealth of talented goalkeepers to choose from, with names like Arnold Origi, Duncan Ochieng, Jackton Odhiambo, James Saruni, and himself leading the pack. These goalkeepers were not only highly skilled but also brought a level of professionalism and consistency that made them reliable choices for the national team. However, Oluoch believes that the current crop of goalkeepers in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) lacks the same quality and depth, which has left him concerned about the future of the position in Kenyan football.
Oluoch, who now works as a goalkeeper coach at Gor Mahia, noted that the league is currently populated with goalkeepers of varying abilities, but none of them stand out as top-tier players capable of consistently performing at the highest level. He emphasized that goalkeeping is a specialized and demanding position that requires a unique set of skills, including vocal leadership, aggression, and the ability to command one’s area. Unfortunately, Oluoch feels that these essential qualities are lacking in many of the goalkeepers currently playing in the league.
A good goalkeeper, according to Oluoch, is more than just someone who can stop shots. They must be vocal on the pitch, organizing their defense and ensuring that the team maintains its shape. They need to be aggressive in their approach, willing to come off their line to claim crosses and assert their dominance in the penalty area. Moreover, a goalkeeper must possess character, as they are often called upon to make crucial saves that can determine the outcome of a match. Unfortunately, Oluoch believes that many of the current goalkeepers in the league do not exhibit these traits, which is a worrying sign for the future of Kenyan football.
Oluoch’s concerns are not limited to the domestic league. He also pointed out that the national team, Harambee Stars, has been struggling to find a reliable goalkeeper in recent years. In recent times, the team has relied on Bandari’s Bryne Odhiambo and Patrick Matasi of Kenya Police, but Oluoch expressed doubts about their ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Matasi, in particular, has had moments where he failed to live up to expectations, and while Odhiambo has shown promise, he is yet to fully establish himself as a top-tier goalkeeper.
Oluoch’s frustration stems from the fact that Kenya once had a strong tradition of producing top-quality goalkeepers, but that seems to have faded in recent years. The decline in goalkeeping standards is not just a problem for the national team but also for the league, which relies on strong performances from its goalkeepers to maintain its competitiveness. The lack of standout goalkeepers in the league means that Kenyan football may struggle to produce the next generation of top-tier talent, and this could have long-term consequences for the sport in the country.
As a goalkeeper coach at Gor Mahia, Oluoch is doing his part to address the issue by working with the club’s current goalkeepers, including Gad Mathews, Kevin Omondi, Caleb Omondi, and Junior Dolf Owino. He is focused on improving their skills and helping them develop the qualities necessary to become top goalkeepers. However, he also keeps an eye on the wider league, hoping to see more young goalkeepers rise to the occasion and fill the void left by the previous generation of great Kenyan goalkeepers.
Despite his concerns, Oluoch remains hopeful that the situation can improve with time and effort. He believes that with the right training and support, the next generation of Kenyan goalkeepers can develop the necessary skills to succeed at the highest level. However, for this to happen, there needs to be a concerted effort from both the clubs and the national team to invest in the development of goalkeeping talent and ensure that young players are given the opportunity to grow and showcase their abilities.
In conclusion, Boniface Oluoch’s concerns about the state of goalkeeping in Kenya are valid and reflect a broader issue within the country’s football system. While there are still some talented goalkeepers in the league, the overall quality of the position has declined, and this could have serious implications for the future of Kenyan football. It is crucial that steps are taken to address this issue and ensure that the next generation of goalkeepers is properly nurtured and developed to carry on the legacy of the great keepers who came before them.
