Drew Uyi Speaks On Challenges To Football Development In Africa …Says ‘Talent Is Not Enough’
By Akeem Busari
Renowned FIFA licensed football agent and sportspreneur, Dr. Drew Uyi, has identified key challenges to a genuine development of the beautiful game on the African continent.
Uyi, who was a key speaker at the just held football forum inside the Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary, described the event which had the theme ‘East Meets West In Football’, as not just a stage, but a space for honest, necessary conversations about the future of the game.
He noted that infrastructure plays a key role in football development.
“Infrastructure is destiny. Without quality pitches and facilities, development is limited and true talent remains unseen.
“African football must go beyond talent production and embrace branding and positioning. Brazil doesn’t just develop players, it presents them to the world with purpose, increasing their global value.”
He emphasised that talent alone isn’t enough.
“Players with strong family and support systems adapt and succeed more consistently abroad, the human side of football cannot be overlooked.
“Exporting raw talent comes at a cost. When players leave too early without full development, value is created elsewhere, not at home.”
He added, “the future of African football lies in building strong systems that develop, support, and maximise talent”.
