FKF outline plan to prepare Salim Babu's Rising Stars ahead of U-20 AFCON

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FKF outline plan to prepare Salim Babu's Rising Stars ahead of U-20 AFCON

Mark Kinyanjui 05:00 - 25.02.2025

Rising Stars will be taking part at the U-20 AFCON set to take place in Ivory Coast this April.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has unveiled comprehensive plans to ensure the Kenya U-20 men’s national team, the Rising Stars, is adequately prepared for their historic debut at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast this April.

The Rising Stars were placed in Group C following the draw conducted on February 13, 2025, at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. 

They will face formidable opponents, including reigning African youth powerhouse Senegal, former champions Zambia, and the fast-emerging Sierra Leone. 

Despite their underdog status, FKF remains determined to equip the squad with all necessary resources to make an impact at the tournament, which also serves as a potential pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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Speaking at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Hussein Mohammed assured that FKF is committed to giving the team the best possible environment to excel.

“The plans are underway. We have put the team in camp and made sure we will put in a good show at the AFCON U-20. I have no doubt that with the support of the government, the team will be ready,” he stated.

He further emphasized FKF’s dedication to ensuring all logistics, including training camps and friendly matches, are well-executed. 

“We will put everything behind them to support them. If we feel that they need to camp closer to the host country, we will make those arrangements. If training at home proves more beneficial, we will ensure they have the best facilities.”

Underlining the strong government support, Mohammed recalled past precedents where teams benefitted from international training camps, citing the U-17 girls' camp in Spain before the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup. He assured Kenyans that a similar approach would be taken if necessary.

“The collaboration between the government and FKF is at its best. So far, they have come through, and we have no doubt that they will continue to support us for the upcoming games.”

Head coach Salim Babu has also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the challenge, given proper preparation.

“We are determined to have good preparations before the tournament. We have met with FKF officials, and they have agreed to fully support us, which we are grateful for. With good preparations, we are confident we will do well in the tournament.”

Acknowledging Kenya’s inexperience at this level, Babu remains optimistic about the team’s chances. “We may be going as underdogs due to our inexperience, but I can assure Kenyans we shall surprise many people with our performance.”

With just months to go before the tournament kicks off, FKF’s proactive approach and government backing offer a solid foundation for the Rising Stars as they chase history and aim for a potential FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification.

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