|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Kenya’s football history is about to be rewritten, and at the heart of it is a group of young men who, against the odds, have etched their names into the annals of the nation’s sporting legacy. The Kenya Under-20 men’s football team, aptly named the Rising Stars, are basking in the glow of a Sh1.8 million reward, after their achievement in qualifying for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will be hosted by South Africa next year.
This is the first time Kenya has qualified for the tournament.
The journey to this point has been anything but easy. After years of trying and falling short, the Rising Stars finally earned their spot in AFCON with a resounding 4-0 victory over Burundi during the semi-finals of the CECAFA U-20 Championship in Dar es Salaam last week. Their campaign was filled with thrilling victories and moments of brilliance. However, the fairy tale didn’t end with a trophy in hand, as the Rising Stars fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Tanzania in the final. Nevertheless, the dominant performance showcased the skill, determination, and unity of a team that has been quietly evolving under the radar.
But how did Kenya’s Under-20 footballers, who once struggled for visibility, make it to this historic moment?
The Road to Triumph
At the helm of this transformation is head coach Salim Babu, whose leadership has been instrumental in turning raw talent into a formidable force. But Babu didn’t do it alone. The Rising Stars are the product of a deliberate and long-term investment by the Ministry of Sports.
Kipchumba Murkomen, the Sports CS who a few months ago replaced Ababu Namwamba, hosted a celebratory breakfast event for the team, hailing their achievement as more than just a sporting victory. He called it the fruit of years of strategic planning and nurturing of young talent.
“The success of the Rising Stars reflects the Ministry’s commitment to youth development in sports,” Murkomen said. “Six of the players were groomed through the national U-13, U-15, and U-17 teams. Their growth is proof of the value in investing in our youth early on.”
Murkomen spoke of plans already in motion to prepare the Rising Stars for AFCON 2025. He outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes extended training camps, both locally and internationally, and friendly matches against some of the top teams in Africa and beyond. But the goal is not just to make a mark at AFCON—Kenya is setting its sights on something bigger: qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, a feat that would be a first for the country.
“We are not just aiming for AFCON success,” Murkomen said. “We are dreaming of a place on the global stage at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. That journey starts now.”
Beyond AFCON
While the Rising Stars’ achievement is commendable, it is also a symbol of Kenya’s broader ambitions in the world of football. The Ministry’s plan to roll out 30 sports academies across the country is a clear indication of its long-term vision. These academies, which will eventually extend to all 290 constituencies, are designed to tap into young talent and nurture it through structured programs.
By integrating technology into talent identification, the government hopes to make the process more efficient and far-reaching, to ensure that no potential star is left behind. Murkomen believes that this system will not only bolster Kenya’s chances on the international stage but also create opportunities for young players to be scouted by top football academies around the world.
Kenyan football, long overshadowed by regional giants like Nigeria and South Africa, now stands at a crossroads. With the Rising Stars leading the charge, there is a renewed sense of optimism. The AFCON qualification and the financial reward are just the beginning. The real journey, according to Murkomen, is to elevate Kenyan football to global recognition and excellence.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.