NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Kenya’s Under-20 football team head coach Salim Babu says the current team should stick together and play more games as a unit, as it is the age group that will lift Kenya at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country is co hosting with Uganda and Tanzania.
Babu says most of the players will be at their prime in the next three years, and having them play together for a while will be a concrete ingredient to seeing the country do well at the AFCON.
“This is the team for the future and we have to ensure that we keep them together for a good time. We have to build a good team and having them together is the right step for us in ensuring we are competitive at the 2027 AFCON,” babu told Capital Sport.
He has asked the Federation and the Government to ensure the team is maintained, and he is delighted that a good percentage of the players called up are those with whom he reached the CECAFA Under-18 finals with, last year.
He says ensuring they play more high friendly matches and tournaments will be key in building their confidence to step up to the senior national team.
“Previously we have had these age-grade teams but as soon as they are done with tournaments, they disintegrate. It will be crucial for us to keep these players and ensure they play as many games as possible together. We have so many talented youngsters and we need to give them a platform,” says Babu.
He adds; “These players should be able to transit from the under-20 to the Under-23 and then to the senior team and if we maintain them, we don’t need to be doing trials every now and then.”
The team will be heading out to Malawi this coming week for a four-nations tournament that includes the hosts, Zimbabwe and Zambia as part of build up and preparation for future assignments.
Babu says it will be perfect exposure for them and a right place to give them experience.
“It is good for them to face some of these tough teams and get vital experience. Without such matches, it is difficult for us to know where we are as a team. I am looking forward to the tournament and hopefully we do well,” stated the coach.
The team has intensified its training at the Kasarani Annex and is expected to depart for Malawi this week.
