Namwamba reveals trick to make Harambee Stars competitive in 2027 AFCON

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed a trick that will make Harambee Stars a competitive force in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

After winning the bid to jointly host the finals, the East African nations have adequate time to prepare their teams and mount a successful campaign then. 

To ensure Harambee Stars do not fumble, Namwamba has urged the Football Kenya Federation to invest in grassroots soccer to strengthen the national side.

“We do not want our Harambee Stars to merely participate; we want them to compete. As a government, we are ready to support them fully.

“The target to prepare Harambee Stars is critical; youth development is not negotiable, and we have made it clear to FKF that in readiness to host the 2027 AFCON, we need to get back to the grassroots and ensure we grow sports in a manner that will bring economic values to our country,” Namwamba told journalists.

Stadium preparation

The former Budalangi Member of Parliament also touched on the preparations for the facilities set to host the majority of AFCON functions in the country.

“We are upgrading our sporting infrastructure to international standards as part of our master plan to co-host the 2027 AFCON with Uganda and Tanzania.

“Jamhuri Grounds has always been the primary venue. But this is a public facility constructed with taxpayers’ money, and it must be subjected to public conversations.

“Even before, there had been conversations on possible venues even within the Nairobi metropolis. There have also been conversations around Konza and Nakuru,” Namwamba concluded.

Namwamba’s presser came after the conclusion of the 2023 finals that were held in Ivory Coast, and the host nation emerged as the winners.