Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat to begin integrating talented young players from the U-20 Rising Stars into the senior national team. This call follows the Rising Stars’ impressive performance in the U-20 AFCON-CECAFA qualifiers, where they earned their first-ever qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-20 tournament. Murkomen believes that the youth players’ inclusion will be instrumental in shaping the future of Kenyan football and boosting the national team’s chances at AFCON 2025.
Rising Stars’ Impressive Journey to AFCON U-20
The Rising Stars, coached by Salim Babu, have captured the attention of Kenyan football fans with their remarkable journey through the U-20 AFCON-CECAFA qualifiers. Despite falling 2-1 to Tanzania in the final, their performance throughout the tournament earned them a place in the 2025 AFCON Under-20 tournament, a milestone in Kenyan football.
During a celebration event at Talanta Plaza, held in their honor on October 22, Murkomen praised the team for their achievement and the potential they have to contribute to the future success of Kenyan football. He emphasized the need for early talent identification and development, a critical aspect of building a stronger national team for years to come.
Murkomen addressed the team, stating, “You are the future of Kenyan football. Your performance in the U-20 qualifiers is proof of the talent we have in our youth. Our national team coach should start integrating some of you into the Harambee Stars.”
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Why Early Integration Matters
The inclusion of younger players into the senior national team is not just about rewarding them for their achievements but also about preparing them for the rigors of international competition at higher levels. Young players bring energy, fresh ideas, and the ability to adapt quickly to new tactics, all of which can be invaluable to a senior team preparing for major tournaments.
Murkomen pointed to the success of young footballers on the international stage, drawing inspiration from Spain’s Yamine Lamal, a 16-year-old who made headlines at the Euros for his performances, including scoring a goal and providing four assists. He highlighted Lamal’s breakthrough as a model that Kenyan football should aspire to.
“I believe many of you have the potential to achieve what Lamal has done for Spain. With the right support and guidance, our youth players can make a significant impact on the national stage,” said Murkomen.
This strategy of integrating younger players into the senior setup has been employed by many successful footballing nations. It allows the players to gain experience at an early age while providing the senior team with versatile, dynamic options on the field. For Kenya, it could be the start of a new era in which homegrown talent flourishes at both the continental and international levels.
Looking Ahead: Harambee Stars and AFCON 2025
Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior men’s national team, are preparing for the crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers, with upcoming fixtures against Namibia and Zimbabwe. The integration of young talents from the U-20 squad could provide a significant boost to the team as they aim to qualify for AFCON 2025 and improve their standing in African football.
Coach Engin Firat has already hinted at the possibility of introducing fresh faces to the senior team, and the Rising Stars’ standout performances provide an excellent pool of talent to draw from. Players such as Kelvin Wangaya, who delivered an exceptional display during the U-20 AFCON-CECAFA qualifiers, have proven they have the skills and mentality to perform at a higher level.
Murkomen expressed his confidence in the potential of the Rising Stars to make a meaningful impact, not just in the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament, but also in Kenya’s senior football landscape. “These young players have the talent and determination to succeed on both the continental stage and at the global level,” Murkomen said. He further added that the ultimate goal should be to see Kenyan football develop to the point where it can compete with the best in the world.
Eyeing the U-20 World Cup
As the Rising Stars prepare for their AFCON U-20 debut, their eyes are set on an even bigger prize: qualification for the U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 2025. The top four finishers at the AFCON U-20 tournament will earn a place at the World Cup, providing an additional incentive for the Rising Stars to perform at their best.
Reaching the U-20 World Cup would mark a historic achievement for Kenyan football, and the experience gained from competing at such a high level would be invaluable for the players’ development. It would also bring global attention to Kenyan football, showcasing the talent and potential that the country possesses.
For this reason, the integration of these young players into the senior national team is not just a short-term solution but part of a long-term vision to elevate Kenyan football to new heights. As the Harambee Stars prepare for their AFCON 2025 qualifiers, having these young players involved will ensure that they are ready to step up when called upon.
The Future of Kenyan Football
Kipchumba Murkomen’s call to integrate the Rising Stars into the Harambee Stars ahead of AFCON 2025 reflects a broader vision for the future of Kenyan football. By nurturing and developing young talent, Kenya can build a strong foundation for future success on the international stage.
The Rising Stars’ qualification for the AFCON U-20 tournament is an encouraging sign of progress, and with the right guidance and opportunities, these young players can contribute to the senior team’s efforts to qualify for AFCON 2025. As the national team prepares for important upcoming matches, the integration of these talented youngsters could signal the beginning of a new era in Kenyan football.
By looking to the future and investing in youth development, Kenya has the potential to achieve greater success in continental and global football, with the hope that one day, the Harambee Stars will stand among Africa’s elite.
