Newly-capped Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro banking on U-20 AFCON experience to secure dream move

Benni McCarthy shares a word with teenage defender Manzur Okwaro following Harambee Stars' clash against Gabon. Photo: FKF Media

Newly-capped Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro banking on U-20 AFCON experience to secure dream move

Mark Kinyanjui 17:00 - 02.04.2025

Okwaro, who recently made his Harambee Stars debut, has explained how the U-20 AFCON with Rising Stars will be beneficial for his career.

Newly-capped Harambee Stars defender Manzur Suleiman Okwaro is hoping to impress well enough for Rising Stars at the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in order to achieve his dream of going professional.

The Rising Stars booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after a strong showing at the 2024 CECAFA U20 Qualifiers, where they finished second, narrowly losing the final to Tanzania.

Okwaro, who recently made his debut for Kenya against Gabon during their 2-1 loss in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - earning praise from head coach Benni McCarthy in the process- is currently in the camp at the Thika Foundation Academy preparing for the tournament set to take place in Egypt later this month.

Speaking in a recent interview, Okwaro explained why the upcoming tournament, which Kenya are set to participate in for the first time since 1972, explained why the tournament will mean so much more than just participating.  

“I feel honoured to have gotten this chance because it is an opportunity to represent my country at the upcoming U-20 AFCON,” Okwaro said.

Okwaro explained how the camaraderie in the camp - created by having a majority of the players playing together for a long period of time dating back to the U-18 CECAFA Boys’ Championships in 2023 - will help them during the tournament.

“Most of the players have been here before. There is a great bond and love. Everyone is ready, including the technical staff, so we expect good results.”

“We are not just going there to participate, we are going to compete. We are up to the task and we will represent our country well.”

Okwaro hopes to follow in the footsteps of players like Samuel Eto'o and Mohamed Salah into using the tournament to earn moves abroad.

“This tournament is one of those that gives players opportunities to go out there. It is a good opportunity for me because I want to make it pro, so if I get this chance, I will use it properly.”

Drawn in Group C, Kenya will face a stern test against defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

Rising Stars will start off the tournament against Sierra Leone on May 1, 2025, followed by Zambia on May 4th while rounding off the group stage with Senegal on May 7th.

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