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Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has said the impressive run that the Kenya U18 has shown in the CECAFA U18 Championship has rekindled the country’s faith in football and has promised a special reward.

Kenya, after beating Tanzania in the semi-final that was decided by a penalty shootout, will take on Uganda on Friday, December 8 at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

Namwamba will be one of the guests during the ultimate showdown, and ahead of the match, he has explained how proud he is of the junior stars.

Namwamba’s plea, promise

“You have united and galvanised the nation. You have made every Kenyan incredibly proud. You have rekindled our faith and belief in Kenyan football.

“You have proven our game has a bright future. You are a special fruit of Talanta Hela, a perfect manifestation that investing in youth and grassroots talent development does indeed pay.

“Now go on, finish the job, lay your hands on that trophy, and take our beautiful Kenyan flag to cloud nine,” Namwamba said in a statement on his X handle.

The former Budalangi Member of Parliament also said the government is behind the Junior Stars, who are on the verge of winning the regional title.

“His Excellency President William Ruto and I are leading the whole government and all Kenyans in praying for you and cheering you on all the way.

“Victory is your portion. I am coming to Kisumu with your special reward. C’mon, my boys, let’s do this,” he added.

Akhulia’s promise

Namwamba’s message to the players comes after assistant head coach Anthony Akhulia promised to fight hard and emerge champions.

”We are happy that Kenyans have supported us since this tournament started last week, and we ask them to come again and support us during the final, which will be a tough match.

”We believe the final will be very difficult, but we shall try and win it for the Kenyans,” Akhulia said.