AFC Leopard U19 were crowned bottom-up champions after 2-1 win against Isambo combined in an entertainment match played at Lunyofu ground in Budalangi to mark the climax of Isambo cultural festivals.
Speaking while presenting a trophy to the champions, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba urged coaches from elite clubs to tap and nurture talents from the grassroots in an effort to build a formidable team, adding that the government is committed to uplifting soccer standards in the country.
Namwamba applauded Isambo combined for putting up a fighting spirit to give Ingwe a game of their lifetime in a match that attracted thousands.
“The match was played to manifest the government’s efforts in adapting a bottom-up approach towards revitalizing soccer in the country. It is evident that there is great talent at the grassroots that can be identified, nurtured and exploited to facilitate empowerment of the Kenyan youth in the sports arena,” noted Namwamba.
The CS noted that soccer revival plans are ongoing and will involve tapping talents from the grassroots to form county teams that will compete through the year, while finals will be played on 12th December each year. This is an effort towards ensuring Kenya qualifies for AFCON 2025 and to host the same in 2027.
“Rebuilding Kenyan football Bottom-Up is vital toward 2030 world cup vision. Arrangements are at an advanced stage to launch a bottom-up football tournament to be contested under 19 teams from all 47 counties. We will work with all county governors to build a football team right from the ward level,” he added.
The CS added that President Dr. William Ruto will officially launch a bottom-up tournament targeting U19 early this year.
“My government recognizes sports and the arts as a major industry that can employ millions of our youth and help grow our economy,” noted the President during his Jamhuri day speech.
The CS cited the recent lifting of the FIFA ban as the first move “to get football back” on its feet. Kenya plans to bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Hosting Rights together with East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, he added.
With Kenya missing out on the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to the suspension by FIFA, the country will now look towards the 2025 showpiece, while Cabinet approved Kenya’s ambitious bid to co-host the 2027 event, alongside other East African states.
“I will be the ambassador of grassroots football development program that will see the national government work with county governments to invest heavily in youth football,” said Namwamba.
Six youths from Isambo combined were selected by scouts from AFC leopard and other Kenya premier league teams that were present during the finals.
Both teams received a trophy and Sh100,000 for the new year celebrations.
By Absalom Namwalo
