Nyamweya lauds U18 team for Cecafa heroics
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has lauded the Kenya U18 team for its heroics at the Cecafa Championship.
The youthful Kenyan team, christened Junior Stars, stormed the final of this regional tournament on December 5, 2023, and in style, following a 4-3 victory of over stubborn Tanzania in a dramatic penalty shootout. The two teams had battled for a barren draw in regulation and extra time in a contest attended by a partisan and charged crowd.
Ibrahim Wanzala was the hero between the sticks for team Kenya in this contest played at the Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu. The Kakamega Homeboyz stopper saved two penalties to hand his team the vital win.
“I would like to congratulate the Kenya under 18 team for a good fight to win the CECAFA under 18 semi finals. This is a demonstration that the efforts by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba for his unwavering leadership seeing the team reach into the finals in a titanic battle with Tanzania through penalties,” said Nyamweya.
The veteran football administrator, who is keen to reclaim the presidency ahead of the forthcoming FKF elections in 2024, has promised to groom the boys.
“Once I take over as the President of Football Kenya Federation We will give these players an opportunity in the national team.”
The youthful team has so far defeated Rwanda, Sudan and Somalia in this tournament and are now set to face Uganda in what is expected to be a thrilling final.
Nyamweya has also congratulated the national women football team, dubbed Harambee Starlets despite failing to secure qualification to the Africa Women Cup of Nations.
Starlets lost 2-1 on aggregate to Botswana following a 1-1 draw in Nairobi and 1-0 loss to the Southern Africa nation in Gaborone.
Beldine Adhiambo’s team will however look back in regret after failing to convert two penalties the team earned during the two games over the two legs.
“Despite the loss to Botswana, Harambee Starlets have done well despite the many challenges as a result of poor leadership from the federation. We are bringing in change with a team of dedicated leaders whose sole aim is to transform Kenyan football and restore it’s lost glory. My team and I aim to see the girls qualify to the World Cup. Once we take over women football will be given priority and supported well,” said Nyamweya.