Kenya U17 head coach William Muluya has shed light on the challenges and considerations that shaped his final 25-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, set to take place in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025.
The Junior Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda, as they bid to secure one of the two qualification slots for the 2026 U17 AFCON tournament. This crucial stage serves as a platform for nurturing Kenya’s next generation of football talents and building a sustainable future for the national team.
Coach Muluya admitted that the selection process was fast but meticulous, revealing that several difficult decisions had to be made within a short period. “The squad is basically what we came up with after two days of trying out players,” he noted, explaining that logistical and academic challenges limited their options. Some potential players could not participate because they were sitting for their KCAC final exams during the trials.
Despite these setbacks, Muluya expressed confidence in the group selected, insisting that the team is prepared not only to participate but to compete for qualification. He underlined that the team’s primary objective is to reach the final, as doing so guarantees a spot in the AFCON. “Our main goal is to reach the final because securing a place in the AFCON is tied to making it that far. As a team, we believe in going to compete, not just to take part,” he said.
Muluya’s strategy revolves around building a cohesive, disciplined, and tactically aware side capable of balancing defensive stability with attacking efficiency. He emphasized that teamwork and unity would be key to success, especially given the limited preparation time before departure. “Good team cohesion is essential. We want to build a team that concedes fewer goals while also scoring some,” he explained.
He also pointed out that most of the players have been inactive due to school commitments and the absence of a structured youth league. To address this, the technical team has focused on improving players’ fitness levels and tactical understanding in the lead-up to the tournament. “As trainers, we have had to work on improving the players’ fitness and tactical knowledge so they can compete effectively,” he added.
The Junior Stars are expected to depart for Ethiopia on Monday, with their opening match against Somalia scheduled for November 18 as they seek to make a mark on the continental stage.
