AC Milan's Honda Kaisuke to establish soccer academy in Uganda

Jun 24, 2017

Keisuke runs an organisation Honda Estilo, which provides hope and dreams through sports

Uganda could become the first African country to benefit from United Nations Foundation Global Advocate for Youth Keisuke Honda's kind gesture, if his plan of starting a soccer academy in the country materializes.

Honda who arrived in the country on Friday accompanied by a delegation from the United Nations Foundation (UNF), said he was looking at possibilities of establishing a soccer academy in the country in the near future

Keisuke runs an organisation Honda Estilo, which provides hope and dreams through sports, for over 3,500 students in 60 schools worldwide.

"Our philosophy is to have children from all over the world realise their dreams. When we find a suitable partner in Uganda we shall embark on establishing an academy here for the whole of Africa," Kaisuke who is currently a free agent said.

He said he would like to see the country playing at the world cup in future and was willing to lend a hand.

During his three-day visit, he attended a series of events including a visit to the Ashinanga Rainbow Orphanage in Nansana and engaging key stakeholders in the promotion of sports for youth in Uganda, including a visit to the Ministry of Education and Sports and FUFA to discuss possible collaborations with the government and sports regulatory bodies.

On Saturday, Keisuke also presided over a youth activation tournament in Kamwokya attended by over 200 kids from four soccer academies and him together with former AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, played for either of the two finalists; Super Heroes soccer Academy and Royal Arms which the former won 1-0. Riffles and Excel soccer academies youngsters also attended.

He advised the youngsters to work hard to make their dreams come true.

"It is only you that can work on their dream. Every one of you have a big potential so please believe in yourself and keep going for a bright future," Kaisuke advised.

Kaisuke later told journalists that he was impressed with the enthusiasm the children showed despite playing on a bare ground and was inspired.

"It was a great time for me. I have met many people and when I leave here I will start discussions about the partnership for the academy. The kids here have a lot of potential and if they are groomed properly and get the right football philosophy they will come out as good players," Kaisuke noted.

Muntari who promised some playing boots for children he played with said he had done it with the hope that it could maybe change their perception, but challenged them to go to school and also sacrifice time for training.

 

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