Renowned football coach Xavier Stukes ( second left) with the president of American Football Academy Ken Wambua (left) and Kenya American Football Federation president Derrick Odhier (second right) at the launch in Nairobi this week. PHOTO/ Courtesy
Kenya’s love for American Football has been on the rise ever since Daniel Adongo and Rees Odhiambo penetrated into the prestigious National Football League (NFL).
And now renowned American football coach Xavier Stukes has descended in Nairobi with lots of goodies that will help take the game to a whole new level in the country.
In his quest to champion the American Football experience in Kenya, Stukes and his charges will start a vibrant American Football League in the country. The league will help with talent identification and nurturing and subsequently give Kenya a head start in Africa in exporting professional players to the US.
With support from government, local professionals and the Kenyan federation, Stukes has already identified a 26-acre piece of land in Kajiado County where they will put up a state-of-the-art stadium by 2026 to stage the games.
“The stadium that we plan to build will also come with an eight-lane track,” the distinguished tactician with an impressive 40-year impressive track record said.
“This is not for us, it is for the community, we are just here to showcase and give exposure to some of the remarkable talents this country has,” Stukes highlighted.
“This vision goes beyond the game, it aims to promote unity and community development for the men, women, and children in Kenya.”
Stukes said the stadium will host a high-level invitational tournament that will involve teams from Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and those from his backyard in Baltimore.
Stukes is already happy with the cordial support he is getting from the Kenyan professionals including President of Kenya American Football Federation Derrick Odhier and President of the American Football Academy Ken Wambua in his quest to establish an American football league experience in the country.
“I believe in the power of football to transcend boundaries and bring communities together. Through this venture in Kenya, we aim to create a lasting impact, fostering a love for the sport and promoting holistic development,” the army veteran stated.
According to the experts, Kenyan players need a whole support system that will balance them physically, mentally, socially and emotionally in order to handle massive success which comes with American Football.
“Kenya has a large following in the sport. We believe that with the right training and good attitude Kenyan players can go very far in the game.
“We expect the game to grow in Kenya in the coming years if better infrastructures are put in place,” Stukes underscored.
Coach Xavier Stukes selected accolades
-2023 victories at the Cinco de Mayo International Bowl Championship, American Conference Championship, and Atlantic Coast Football Alliance Championship.
-Has won two Conference Championships and one Division Championships.
-Has served as President of the 2 Amateur Football Hall of Fame
-Owner and Head Coach of the Baltimore Rams Youth, Anne Arundel County Cobras Youth and Adult Football Organization.
