Rising Stars U20 coach impressed with preps ahead of Four Nations tournament

Rising Stars U20 coach Salim Babu is satisfied with the preparation the side has had this week.

The team is set to participate in a four-nation tournament scheduled to take place between March 18 and 26, 2024, in Malawi.

Rising Stars U20 session

Babu revealed that in just one week, the side has had solid training sessions, and the players are in good shape and ready to travel to Malawi.

“We’ve been putting in solid preparation since the start of the week. With just one week of training together, the team is in excellent condition. The players have been maintaining their fitness with their respective clubs, so it was just a matter of bringing them together. We’re fully prepared and eagerly awaiting our departure,” he told the press.

The coach believes that the tournament is a good opportunity for the players, and he is confident that knowing such chances are available will propel them to work harder.

“This tournament presents a fantastic opportunity for our young players and will undoubtedly boost their confidence. It serves as a reminder that performing well can lead to further opportunities in the future. These chances don’t come around often, so it’s essential to make the most of them,” he pointed out.

“As a country, we’ve taken a significant step forward, and this tournament provides a great platform for our players to showcase their talents,” he added.

The coach is expecting a physical encounter with the South African teams, but he holds that they intend to win.

“We’re aware that teams from the south tend to be more physical, but our focus is on playing as a cohesive unit. Our aim is clear: we’re heading there with the intention to win,” he concluded.

Rising Stars U20 training squad

Goalkeepers

Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars).

Defenders

Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks).

Midfielders

Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Onorient FC), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks).

Forwards

Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards).