Kanoute to stamp Lyon and West Ham standards on KAFO Academy

Jon Turner 10:44 12/06/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Unearthing talent: Kanoute wants to improve standard of football in the region.

    Former Lyon, West Ham and Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute says he will instil the same standards and professionalism he was taught during his days as a young footballer when he opens his KAFO Academy in Dubai.

    Kanoute, 36, announced the launch of the football academy at Dubai Sports World, which will act as the host venue until August 31, after which it will move to its permanent setup in Al Barsha.

    The former Mali forward, who also spent two seasons at English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, has a wealth of experience to call on and believes he is perfectly positioned to help develop the UAE’s future football stars.

    “I was very fortunate to go to one of – if not the – best football academies in France when I was at Lyon and I will take much from what I learnt there into the KAFO Academy,” Kanoute told Sport360°.

    “Lyon is where I learnt the majority of my skills and developed most as a player. I spent some time at West Ham who have one of the most successful academies in English football. There is a lot I took from these places that will help make my academy special.”

    While KAFO will be Kanoute’s first academy, working with youngsters is something he has done for a long time.

    “I’ve been involved in African youth programmes for more than 10 years,” Kanoute added. “I believe in investing in grass-roots and I want to help bring some improvements to football in the Middle East.”

    Kanoute believes there is a great deal of untapped potential in this region and hopes his Academy can help kids realise their potential, both in terms of football and life in general.

    “Football is still relatively young here so this is a great opportunity for me to launch my academy in Dubai. But for me it is not just about finding the next superstars – it’s also about providing some fun and teaching kids about fitness, teamwork, discipline, and all the other benefits football can offer.”

    Recommended