Instead of being known for viral moments and enjoying fleeting popcorn hype, these individuals could have been on a vastly different trajectory.
Allow me to share a different perspective on the case of Bradley Mtall and Giant Wa Bungoma. These towering figures, now the subject of online hype, serve as a stark reminder of how we often miss nurturing raw talent at its inception. Imagine if these men, with their unique physical advantages, were scouted early during their primary or high school years. Imagine a system that recognized their potential, encouraged them, nurtured their abilities, and mentored them to become basketball greats.
Instead of being known for viral moments and enjoying fleeting popcorn hype, these individuals could have been on a vastly different trajectory. With the right support, they might have pursued professional careers, earned scholarships to play in prestigious American high schools, and possibly made their way into the NBA, turning them into millionaires. Beyond the personal success, they would have been role models for countless young athletes, showing that talent, when properly guided, can lead to incredible opportunities.
Our nation has a wealth of untapped potential, but too often we allow it to slip through the cracks as we worship a political culture. The cases of Bradley Mtall and Giant Wa Bungoma are just the tip of the iceberg—representative of the many young talents that go unnoticed and unsupported. It's time we rethink how we identify and nurture our hidden gems before it's too late.
A Case of South Sudan: Beating Us to the Game
Right next door, the world's youngest nation, South Sudan, has done what many would never have expected: they have beaten us to the game of basketball. A country far from our level of economic potential, yet they’ve risen to become a world basketball powerhouse, rattling the sport’s giants. Even the mighty USA, the global leader in basketball, found themselves struggling in a friendly match against South Sudan ahead of the Olympics.
Known for their towering height and raw strength, South Sudan has harnessed a resource often overlooked—their people’s natural talents. But the secret to their success lies deeper than physical attributes. It’s rooted in a commitment to talent development from an early age. The Swahili saying, "Samaki mkunje angali mbichi" (bend the fish while it's still fresh), perfectly sums up their approach. They understand that raw talent, when shaped and nurtured early, can be turned into greatness.
In contrast, Kenya, a nation long regarded as a rising star in African basketball, still struggles to reach the next level with a national political culture and endless leadership wrangles at Federations. Despite our economic advantages and better infrastructure, we often find ourselves limited by the lack of talent that can tower alongside global greats like LeBron James. Our potential is clear, but we must question why we haven’t fully realized it.
Kenya has what it takes to stand tall in the world of basketball, but the path to greatness requires us to start young, invest in our youth, and offer them the support they need to reach the heights of the global stage.