How to become a Pro Footballer in Kenya

Becoming a professional footballer requires dedication, discipline, and consistent training. Our Acakoro Alumni Sylvia Makungu managed the big jump from Kenya to a European first league club. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to train to achieve your dream and how weupport our players at Acakoro:

Football is the passion of many young athletes. Many ask themselves: How to become a Pro Footballer in Kenya?

1. Master the Fundamentals (Daily Practice makes the Pro Footballer)

• Ball Control: Practice dribbling, juggling, and first-touch control.

• Passing and Shooting: Use both feet to pass and shoot accurately.

• Defensive Skills: Work on tackling, intercepting, and positioning.

2. Develop Physical Fitness (3-5 Times a Week)

• Endurance: Use every training to improve your football specific endurance.

• Strength Training: Focus on core, legs, and upper body. Use bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. Refrain from weights, especially if you are below 16 years old.

• Agility: Use ladder drills, cone drills, and quick footwork exercises.

3. Improve Tactical Awareness (Weekly Game Analysis)

• Watch Matches: Study professional games to learn positioning and strategies.

• Play Small-Sided Games: Develop quick decision-making and teamwork.

• Film your own matches and study your behaviour. Our coaches will help you to understand the match better and give guidance on what you can improve.

4. Mental Preparation (Daily Mindset Work)

• Set Goals: Track progress and stay motivated.

• Stay Focused: Practice visualization and positive self-talk.

• Professional football can be cruel: only if you really want it, you can make it. You will train 10.000 times in front of no one just to play one time in front of 10.000.

5. Play ant train Competitively (Weekly Matches and Tournaments)

• Join local leagues or academies like ACAKORO Football Academy to gain experience.

• Train with the best: every training session must challenge you. To become better you need daily competition with the best available players.

• Play up: Try to play against older opponents. Playing against younger opponents dosen't challenge you - refrain from age cheating! At Acakoro we regularly play against tough opponents (e.g. our U10 plays against an U12 team) to get challenge.

6. Work with professional Coaches (Regular Feedback)

• Listen to feedback from coaches and apply it in your game.

• A professional coach wants to see you grow. If you don't feel the necessary support from your coach, communicate with him/her and if nothing improves, change the team. Sometimes coaches don't want to let good players move on - this already destroied countless careers.

7. Take Care of Your Body

• Rest: Get enough sleep and allow your body to recover.

• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbs, and fruits. The most important meal is the one after physical activity - it restores your energy reservoirs.

• Hydration: Drink water and/or isotonic drinks before, during, and after training.

8. Build Exposure and Network

• Participate in trials and tournaments to showcase your talent. Acakoro organizes international Exchange programs for exceptional players.

• Acakoro connects players to professional clubs in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

• Our Academy regularly travels internationally and participates in tournaments in Europe.

• We offer our players career councelling and guidance.

Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and believe in your dream. With time and effort, you can reach the professional level! ⚽💪