Ever wondered what football talent scouts look for when they’re identifying talent? I got to sit down with Muchuma Khayota, a veteran footballer and football scout who I met at Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza finals. Khayota played football in the 70s before leaving the country for work. He came back in the 90s and has been in the sports industry since. He got to explain some of the features they look when scouting not only among talented players, but those who demonstrate potential to learn.
Concentration
Football is a game of intense concentration with little margin for error. As such, players must maintain unwavering focus on the ball at all times during the match. They have to zero in from all angles, whether it is a striker sizing up the goalkeeper, a defender guarding their territory or a goalkeeper trying to make sure that the ball does not get past him/her. Every player’s contribution to the game depends on their ability to stay alert and attentive and even a slight lapse in focus can result in missed opportunities that can cost the team a win. Concentration is not just a nice thing to have, but the bedrock of a good game.
Stamina
90 minutes of a grueling football match demands that a footballer must have good stamina and physical endurance. It is stamina that ensures that there is no fatigue which leads to sluggish performance and lapses in judgement. From kick off to the final whistle, players are expected to maintain their agility, speed and focus all in a constant sprint across a wide pitch. Stamina ensures they can withstand relentless demands, recover quickly in case of dips, and continue performing at their peak.
Endurance
There is a lot to football that calls for endurance. 90 minutes is a long time in a rigorous game that takes all of a players mental and physical energy. For a player to sustain his or her game till the end, they have to withstand a mix of factors in and outside the pitch, like unexpected injuries, unfavorable weather, or unfriendly fans. Without endurance, fatigue sets in, physical strength goes down, and mental acuity is also affected.
Footwork
It goes without saying that football takes a lot of footwork. The precision required for good coordination and control of the ball can define a player and a talent scout is able to recognize that. Good defending, passing, dribbling, and shooting are all dependent on great footwork, and so does the ability to rapidly change direction or make swift movements. In a game that commands split second decisions, proper footwork goes a long way in unlocking a player’s full potential.
Discipline
Discipline goes hand in hand with integrity and these are crucial for the teamwork that is mandatory for a good game. Players must be disciplined enough to adhere to the rules and regulations of football and indeed any sports. Individual discipline for instance helps avoid unsportsmanlike conduct which could lead to the team getting penalized due to unavoidable fouls. Beyond the pitch, discipline ties the team together with respect for teammates, opponents, game officials and even fans.
Communication
A football player is only as good as their team and teamwork is fostered by good communication on and off the pitch. For the success of a game, players constantly exchange non-verbal cues, hand signals and other methods of keeping each other in the loop as they chase the common goal. Effective communication is a must for this to work. Without clear communication, teams risk missing opportunities due to confusion and lapses. In football, good communication is indispensable.