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- Jan 30, 2008
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Chelsea talent scouts trail Mugabe
Veldhoven Harm (left) and Jean Baptiste at Nairobi City Stadium, Tuesday
By Gilbert Wandera
When Macdonald Mariga failed to sign for English Premier League side Manchester City, local football fans cried for him.
The Kenyan international failed to get a work permit owing to Kenya's
poor rankings in Fifa. But this may soon change and Kenya could soon have one of its own in the world's most popular league.Ironically, it is Mariga's brother Victor Mugabe who has attracted the interest of English champions Chelsea. Chelsea have been on the trail of the Germinal Beerschot midfielder the whole of last year and have sent scouts to watch him on four occasions.
Beerschot take part in the top Belgium league. The scouts from Chelsea were in Belgium five weeks ago again to have another glimpse of the Kenyan international.
According to Jean Baptiste, the chairman of Belgium children's fashion dealer JBC who also owns half of Mugabe's club's stake, Chelsea's interest in the player is not strange considering that English clubs have traditionally worked closely with their Beglium counterparts.
"Manchester United
, Fulham and Arsenal have working relationships with some clubs in Belgium and from time to time they send scouts to look for talent and we are excited about Mugabe with the possibility of him playing in England," he said.Scouting mission
Baptiste is in the country for a three-day scouting mission. He said the English club has not said anything about their interest in Mugabe, but again said this was not strange as they required more time to be satisfied with his ability.
"It may not happen next season because Mugabe needs to play more matches at his current club. Next season will be very crucial for him if he is to land such a lucrative move," he said.
Baptiste is accompanied by Veldhoven Harm who coached Mugabe when he first went to Belgium two years ago.
Harm said the player must play more matches next season if he is to move to a big club like Chelsea.
"England clubs respect talent and Mugabe has what it takes but he needs a lot of matches," he pointed out.
Mugabe confirmed the interest from Chelsea and said he was aware that they had sent scouts to look at him on four occasions.
"It is of course exciting to know that a club like Chelsea is interested in you, but I am not letting it get to my head. My focus is to get more matches and see what happens after that," said Mugabe.
But even then the country's poor ranking in Fifa may once again stand in the way of Mugabe moving to England just like it did to his elder brother.
Mariga failed to join Manchester City because FA rules don't allow players from countries ranked below 70 to play in England.
The Standard | Online Edition :: Chelsea talent scouts trail Mugabe=
