Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports Ababu Namwamba has encouraged Harambee Stars Under-18 to continue producing good results to win the prestigious Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) trophy.
“As host nation, we have a lot of trust in you that you shall bring us much glory. We are so proud of you for winning this match despite training for only five days into the tournament,’’ CS Namwamba told the players after their match against Sudan played at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu.
He said the process of building the junior team to formidable superstars is picking momentum as they had to fly in some of the boys from overseas Louis Ingavi (Orlando-USA), and the trio from Nastic Sports Academy in Spain, Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala, and Alvin Kasavuli
Other players were competitively selected from the local clubs, sports academies, and schools, and great emphasis was laid on improving their skills and performing well.
Namwamba reminded the young boys that they are the future of Kenyan football and they should continue working hard in order to win the forthcoming AFCON (2027) and World Cup in 2032.
Discipline and good attitude, he advised, should be upheld at all times on- and -off the pitch for them to succeed in football.
“We want to prove to the world with the win against Sudan; people from West, North, and South Africa that we are ready to walk the talk. Our supportive President William Ruto and the government will strive to come in handy whenever needed,’’ Namwamba reiterated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o praised the Junior Stars for walloping their opponents, Sudan, 5-0.
“Kisumu City is proud to host this tournament and we assure you of our continued support for its success,” Prof. Nyong’o noted.
Kenya plays its second match against Rwanda on Tuesday, November 28 at the same venue.
By Rolex Omondi
