‘Youth development is the only way to top’- Ababu says as U19 football teams head to Spain

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering youth development programs as part of Kenya's ambitious goal to become a football powerhouse on the global stage.

According to Ababu, achieving success in football for Kenya requires a sustained and structured approach, rather than relying on shortcuts or instant solutions.

Ababu on development

He insisted on the importance of deliberate and intentional investments in junior teams to raise the standards of football in the country.

Ababu's remarks came as he presided over the send-off ceremony for the Talanta Hela U19 boys and girls teams, who are set to depart for Tarragona, Spain, on Saturday afternoon.

“This is the only way to the top and there is no other way. There is no shortcut or magic in this. We have to agree that the only way to the top is to invest in robust, deliberate and structured youth development programs with that pipeline going all the way to the grassroots, including the school ecosystem," Ababu

Ababu’s utter desire to see the growth of the popular game in the country has been evident since his swearing in as the Minister for Sports for the second time in October 2022.

One of his much-talked pointers in regard of scaling the Kenyan game to greater heights is the involvement of national youth teams in FIFA and CAF competitions noting that he has the task of resource mobilization while the Football Kenya Federation does the sporting part.

For the first time in the history of Kenyan football, three junior teams will be out of the country for buildup games abroad.

While the Rising Stars do duty for Kenya in Malawi, the Talanta Hela U-19 Boys and Girls team coached by Jacklyn Juma will be in Tarragona Spain where they will feature in the Costa Daurada Cup and as well as undergo specialized training after the tournament.

Ababu's message

Ababu has tipped the Spain- bound team to excel in the Costa Daurada tourney that has massive opportunities for scouting.

“Go and perform well in Spain, you are now our ambassadors and the pioneers of the Talanta Hela Program. This is a great opportunity for you and you should seize every moment. Go and enjoy and possibly bring home the two cups for both boys and girls,” Ababu told the players travelling to Spain.

The Nastic Sports Academy home to Kenya’s talented youngsters Aldrine Kibet, Alvin Kasavuli and Amos Wanjala will host the Kenyan contingent for two weeks.

Jose Maria Andrew, the President of Giminastic Football Club which also owns the Nastic Sports Academy was present during the flag-off ceremony at the Talanta Hela Plaza in Nairobi on Friday afternoon acknowledged Kenya’s desire to rise to the top in matters of football and noted that he is more than open to propel the ambition.

“I am pleased to be hosted here in Kenya by CS Namwamba, we are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that will birth global soccer stars from Kenya. For the players, you are welcome in Tarragona and we hope you will have good moments there that will lift your football careers,” Jose Maria said.

Also in attendance was Jose Manuel who is the international manager for recruitment and Javier Ornia who serves as the general manager for Nastic Sports Academy.

The trip is expected to offer the youngsters the necessary exposure as they set their sights on representing Kenya at the senior level soon. 

The Tarragona  tournament runs from March 24 and the final is set for March 28.

After the completion of the event that has attracted over 20 countries, the Kenyan teams will play a series of top-notch friendly games in Spain including a match against Amos Wanjala’s Gimnastic Tarragona Football Club.

Travelling players

Girls’ team

Mercy Akoth Odour,Christine Adhiambo,Emily Kemunto,Velma Awour,Sunira Were,Kathleen Jepchumba,Quinter Adhiambo,Quinter Adhiambo,Clotilda Auma,Halima Imbachi, Ann Brenda,Sharon Vidah,Phelister Atieno,Ruth Akinyi, Joyangela Valencia,Elizabeth Mideva,Hilder Simiyu,Lornah Faith,Micthel Waithera and Marion Musanga.

Boys’ team

Dahir Abdulahi, Peter Juma, Levis Tirop, Derick Okech, Abdhafidh Abdalla ,Irad Mshindi, Nicholas Odhiambo, Hamisi Otieno, Samuel Indonyi, Dennis Ndung’u, Joseph Owino, Ismael Odhiambo, Elisha Nalianya, Robert Mutie Mwikali, Austine Odongo, Instine Simiyu, William Gitamu, Alex Kipruto, Iddris Hassan and Talena Ochieng.