Coach Muluya targets Afcon spot as Junior Stars land in Ethiopia

The national Under-17 side arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday morning for the tournament, which kicks off on November 15 and runs until December 2.

by ANGWENYI GICHANA

Sports12 November 2025 - 10:00

In Summary

The team spent a week in a residential camp at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, where they fine-tuned tactics and built team chemistry.
Muluya said he was impressed by the players’ progress and unity in training.

Audio By Vocalize

Head coach William Muluya says guiding Kenya’s Junior Stars to the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) would be a great honour as the team begins its Cecafa qualifying campaign in Ethiopia.

The national Under-17 side arrived in Addis Ababa on Tuesday morning for the tournament, which kicks off on November 15 and runs until December 2.

“It’s a race where we need one winner. We have to believe in ourselves and play until the last day of the tournament. It will be an honour to make it to the Afcon,” said Muluya.

The team spent a week in a residential camp at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, where they fine-tuned tactics and built team chemistry. Muluya said he was impressed by the players’ progress and unity in training.

“We’ve been preparing well and focusing on building a strong bond. The boys understand their roles, and now it’s about applying what we’ve worked on,” he added.

The Kariobangi Sharks tactician expressed confidence that the side can challenge for the title in the 10-team competition.

“It’s up to us as coaches to push the players. Our aim is to reach the final, win the trophy, and qualify for Afcon,” he said.

Forward Nathan Achola said earning a place in the final squad was a dream come true.

“It was a strenuous process. We put in a lot of work, and making the final team made me over the moon. My family and friends were thrilled,” said the young striker.

He added that the squad is motivated and united in its goal.

“As a team, we want to qualify for Afcon and, of course, the Under-17 World Cup. There’s great self-drive among the players, and the technical bench keeps us inspired.”

Kenya are drawn in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda. The Junior Stars open their campaign against Somalia on November 18, followed by Rwanda on November 21 and South Sudan on November 24. They will close their group matches against hosts Ethiopia on November 27.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Separately, Kenya’s boys’ team has been placed in Pool ‘A’ for the Africa Schools Football Championships Cecafa qualifiers, set for December 6–9 in Kampala, Uganda.

Kenya will face Burundi, Djibouti, and South Sudan, while Pool ‘B’ features Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Sudan.

In the girls’ category, Kenya headline Pool ‘A’ alongside hosts Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, while Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti make up Pool ‘B’.

The matches will take place at the new Fufa Stadium, Kadiba, and St Mary’s Kitende.