Former Tusker FC captain Eugene Asike has called on SportPesa League clubs and other teams across Kenyan football to adopt the use of data analysts and modern data collection systems in their daily operations to match the standards set by top leagues around the world.
Asike, who currently plies his trade with Whitehawk FC in England’s Isthmian League Premier Division, believes that incorporating data-driven insights into the game will greatly improve team performance and help in better player management.
Speaking about his experience in England, the former Harambee Stars defender highlighted the high level of professionalism and attention to detail that characterizes football in the United Kingdom.
“In England, football is taken very seriously. If you see a player competing in the Premier League, just know that it’s not easy. When I made my debut here, I had to call Victor (former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder) to give him his flowers. It’s not easy to play at that top level,” Asike told TikiTaka Podcast.
“Even though I’m playing in the lower tiers, the professionalism from the fans to the management is top-notch.”
Former Tusker FC captain Eugene Asike has called on SportPesa League clubs to embrace data analysis
He explained that after every match, players are provided with detailed data on their performances, which helps them track their progress and identify areas that need improvement.
Asike, who has also played in Sweden, admitted that even Scandinavian clubs do not match the level of professionalism he has encountered in England.
“In Sweden, the setup was good, but I didn’t expect the kind of professionalism and seriousness I’ve seen here, even in the lower divisions,” he added.
“From preparation to matchday organization, everything is well-structured. Before a match, players receive data about their opponents there is someone assigned specifically for that. You know exactly what to do, when substitutions will be made, and what role to play when changes happen.”
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Asike emphasized that this level of preparation and reliance on data makes a huge difference and called on Kenyan clubs to adopt similar practices.
“In England, they are very detailed. You can’t say, ‘I didn’t expect this player to start against us.’ You go into the pitch fully prepared. That’s something we should also embrace back home for better results,” he concluded.