President Ruto Sets Terms to Cheer Rising Stars at AFCON in Egypt

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President Ruto Sets Terms to Cheer Rising Stars at AFCON in Egypt

Mark Kinyanjui 15:00 - 15.04.2025

Kenya U-20 men's side Rising Stars were officially flagged off at State House Nairobi by President William Ruto for the upcoming tournament in Egypt.

Kenyan President William Ruto has thrown his full weight behind the national Under-20 team, the Rising Stars, pledging to attend the final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt — if the team secures a place in the title decider.

The President made the commitment during a vibrant flag-off ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday morning, as the Rising Stars prepare to head out for their final training phase in Morocco before the continental showpiece kicks off on Sunday, April 27.

“I know you’re heading to Egypt, and I understand the assignment is tough. But if you qualify for the final, I’ll be there.

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“ Make me come to the finals of AFCON. Just get there — I’ll be in the stands cheering you on,” said Ruto.

Kenya has been drawn into a challenging Group B, facing heavyweights Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria, but the President urged the squad to believe in themselves and carry the nation’s pride with confidence.

“You have the full support of the government of Kenya — and my support as well. Thank you, and go make us proud. Make the country proud,” he added.

President Ruto also used the occasion to highlight the government’s efforts to revamp Kenya’s sports infrastructure, revealing that plans such as the Talanta Sports City as a new football-specific stadium in Jamhuri are part of a broader vision to elevate the country’s football standards.

“We have so much talent in this country. That’s why we’re investing in facilities like the world-class Talanta Sports City,” he said.

“Part of the reason we decided to build a football-only stadium in Jamhuri is because we wanted to elevate football to where it should be. We are building it 40 years after Kasarani Stadium was built.”

He also hailed the national youth setup as a key pillar of Kenya’s long-term sporting growth.

“That in itself is a pride for us as a nation and is a mark of confidence that Kenyan young people have what it takes not just to excel in our nation, but also in our region, and also globally.”

The Rising Stars are scheduled to fly out to Morocco on Wednesday, April 16, where they will take part in a 10-day camp before traveling to Egypt.

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