Former Kenyan international urges launch of Beach Soccer League

There are growing calls to start a beach soccer league in Kenya, with many believing the country’s beautiful coastline could be used for more than just tourism. 

Kenya's coastline is approximately 600 kilometres long and extends from the Kenya-Tanzania border in the south to the Kenya-Somalia border in the north.

It is known for its white sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear lagoons. 

Mozzart Sport caught up with former international player and coach Gerishom Kanga who explained the importance of making beach soccer a permanent sport in Kenya.

Kanga believes that it is time to move beyond seasonal tournaments.

“During my playing days, beach soccer was not taken seriously. We only played during festive seasons. Now, there are more competitions, and people are showing interest, which motivates the players," he explained.

Kenya is one of 75 countries recognized by FIFA for beach soccer.

The sport was officially recognized in 2005 during the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup held at Copacabana Beach in Brazil.

Since then, the sport has grown worldwide, with major tournaments like the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

Kenya’s national team has also made progress, competing in the 2023 Africa Beach Games and qualifying for the World Beach Games in the same year.

While these steps are commendable, Kungu still insists on a year-round league to help players grow their skills. 

“Right now, we only have tournaments, but after they end, the players disappear. We need leagues for all levels—senior and junior players,” he said.

He went on to explain that the league could start in the Coast region to attract more players, before extending to other parts of the country that lack beaches. 

He pointed out that countries like Uganda, which do not even have beaches, already have a beach soccer league and a national team that plays in top competitions like AFCON qualifiers.

“A league doesn’t have to be played only on beaches. It can be played anywhere with proper facilities like sand courts,” Kungu added.

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Kenya has a chance to join the movement as beach soccer grows globally. 

The Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) is also working to grow beach soccer.

The Mombasa Talent Camp has incorporated beach soccer to nurture the talents from a young age.

The camp has students from as low as 16 years of training who are under the tutelage of Kanga and

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With support from such organizations and the natural advantage of its coastline, Kenya can turn beach soccer into a major sport. It’s up to stakeholders to come together and make it happen.