German Andre Spires unveiled as Kenyas football new Technical Director

Romanian-born German Andre Spires has called for patience among football stakeholders in Kenya, as he gets down to the business he describes as ‘turning around soccer fortunes in Kenya’.

Spires signed a two and half years contract to serve in the capacity of Technical Director of football, subject to renewal on the basis of performance.

Spires, who until last month was a youth coach for the Romania national team, has expressed confidence in the current Kenya’s football association saying it motivated his move, football standards notwithstanding.

“This is not my first time in Africa, I have worked in Africa before, but most importantly I am here because I believe in the program and the very ambitious leaders who want to see change in Kenya’s football.”

“We start right away with the under 13 and15 sub branch championships which we launch in Kisumu this weekend, then we follow up with the national women team which is also part of our work and slowly we venture into coaches training and players selection.”

He acknowledged there may be a change in the Dutch football approach that has dominated the local scene, considering his rich background in German football.

“Definitely we can expect change but we cannot lift everything German and apply it here, because Germany is a developed country and has all the resources,” remarked the UEFA-Pro A licensed technician.

On Kenyan players abroad who have not featured in Harambee Stars matches, Spires says proper scouting will be done to evaluate the possibility of their selection to the team.

“It depends with the finances available because such scouting is expensive, but talented players willing to play for Kenya should be a key priority. If a player can really add value why not pick him? But the finals decision on who is called to the team rests with the coach,” said the former APR coach.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa underscored the arrival of the TD as another milestone towards achieving international standards in football locally.

“We moved to the goal project in Kasarani where our secretariat is currently based. We are in smooth transition, and fulfilling these conditions opens more doors for cooperation and funding by FIFA.”

In Rwanda, Spires left a trailblazer achievement helping the country train 1,200 basic coaches across the country.