体坛英语新闻：Legend Schmeichel scouts for Manchester United new talent in Africa

NAIROBI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The arrival of each new sports sensation prompts a rummage through the roots of the competitor's history - a fascination with what has gone into the making of this new prodigy.

That is what went through the head of Manchester United and Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel, who made a stop over in Nairobi, Saturday to witness the finals of the inaugural Africa Under-17 Airtel Rising Stars Football Championship.

"There is a lot of talent in Africa. Not everyone will be found, but Airtel and other corporates have made it possible to help discover these players," Schmeichel told Xinhua on Saturday in Nairobi.

Many African players have emerged to dominate the football world in Europe and top teams including Manchester United and Arsenal are now following the root path of the origin of these players in a partnership with Airtel to unearth fresh talent across the globe.

It is on this basis that Schmeichel, veteran goalkeeper, is certain there is only one way for Africa football - rising up.

"New talent emerges from Africa everyday. But what these players lack is the platform to showcase their talent. A good indication of this progress is in the Kenyan Premier League. It has brought about a new dimension on how the world looks at East Africa. There are 3 top players that are playing in the European leagues," said Schmeichel.

He certainly was referring to Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech (Ligue 1 in France), Macdonald Mariga (Inter Milan, Italy) and his brother Victor Mugubi (Celtic in Scotland).

Many African players have had a false start in football and big flops have been the story so far in European League. But several have curved their niche and respect including legends like Samuel Eto'o, George Weah and Dideir Drogba.

This always give top teams in Europe reason to believe they can land on the next star from Africa and take credit for his exposure early.

On his first trip to Kenya, Schmeichel insists hope and prospect of a bright future are two ingredients African players hold on to dearly propelling them to excel in top-flight football in Europe. Schmeichel is in Kenya courtesy of South Africa based SuperSport, a premium pay television channel in Africa.

The tournament, a climax of 3 months football competition in Africa saw Ghana edge out Kenya 2-1 in girls' final while Niger beat Zambia to clinch the boy's title.

Uganda (women) and Kenya (men) took the third place positions. A total of 15 countries converged in Nairobi in a weeklong championship.

However, while the continent is making strides in the development of talent and football in general, squabbles and lack of clear administrative and development structures are hindering these positive growth.

"African countries need sound youth structures to help young and upcoming players develop their physical and mental skills apart from ethical morals and team work that is needed in the discipline," said Schmeichel.

He is hopeful that the players who emerged in the Airtel Rising Stars championship will be nurtured well by their respective countries to be able to play in Europe when their best moments in football arrive.

However, the Manchester United ambassador was forced to defend his team saying the notion that its manager Alex Fergusson has a low opinion of African players was misplaced.

Of course nobody emerges from the tug of war without their good name sullied, except, perhaps, the individual at the centre of it all.

For Manchester United is on Schmeichel's heart, and when something, or someone, has a special place in there, one can overlook their faults.

"It's not a tradition for Manchester United not to sign players from Africa, this is a misconception. The club has always given them opportunities to exploit their talents in the competitive English Premier League, but I still agree Chelsea is far ahead of other clubs at giving African players the needed opportunity."

Schmeichel tour has seen him go to Ghana and Kenya and is part of an exclusive partnership between Airtel and Manchester United in several African countries.

Part of the partnership agreement enables Airtel to tap into the technical expertise provided by the club through Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) managed clinics. Airtel also has similar partnership with Arsenal football club.

Schmeichel will remain in Kenya to oversee the opening of the Manchester United Soccer Clinic in Nairobi where will take on the youths in training exercise and also impart football knowledge and skills to the young players selected from the Airtel Rising Stars.

Among hosts of achievements during his heyday Schmeichel won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League during a trophy-laden eight-year spell at Old Trafford.

He was appointed as a club ambassador last month and joined an elite group of former Manchester United players including Sir Bobby Charlton, Dwight Yorke, Bryan Robson, Gary Neville and Andy Cole in promoting the club globally.