Kenya’s emerging talent shines at FKF Youth League finals

Action in one of the FKF Youth League matches

By Erick Kariuki
Sunday, January 26, 2025

The FKF Youth League wrapped up on 25th January with finals across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Kakamega. The league, featuring 786 teams from six counties, showcased Kenya’s growing football talent. Coaches, including Junior Starlets' Mildred Cheche, praised the initiative as key to identifying future national team players.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Youth League concluded on Sunday, 26th January, with finals held at Calvary Grounds in Kayole, Nairobi, as well as in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Kakamega. This grassroots initiative, which featured 786 teams from six counties, highlighted Kenya’s budding football talent. Various coaches lauded the league’s role in nurturing future stars, emphasising its importance in keeping young players engaged and active.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche praised the league as a crucial platform for identifying and integrating talent into national teams. “The youth league is vital for FKF and the national teams because this is where we discover raw talent. It’s an opportunity to observe players who could be incorporated into our feeder teams,” she said.

FKF Youth League Finals - Nairobi

In the Nairobi finals, Vision Starlets triumphed in the Under-13 girls' category after edging Acofoa 9-8 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. In the boys' Under-13 final, SJF dominated Makongeni Elite with a convincing 2-0 victory.

The Under-15 girls' final saw Kariobangi Sharks defeat Kayole Starlets in penalties after a 0-0 draw during regular play, converting three penalties to one. On the boys' side, Posta Youth edged Rodney Strikers narrowly to lift the title.

In the Under-17 category, Mwili Community clinched the girls' title by defeating Korogocho Starlets 5-3 in a penalty shootout, while Rodney Strickers secured a 2-0 win over Bright Future to claim the boys' championship.

FKF Youth League Finals - Kisumu, Kakamega, and Mombasa

The finals in Kisumu, Kakamega, and Mombasa offered equally thrilling action as young players showcased their skills.

In Kisumu, Bayern swept the boys' Under-13 and Under-15 titles, defeating Obunga 4-3 on penalties in the former and 1-0 in a penalty shootout in the latter. Obunga redeemed themselves in the Under-17 final, edging Urusi 4-3 on penalties.

Kakamega’s finals saw Nabongo Pyramids, Green Commandos, and Super Lions emerge victorious in the boys' Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 categories, respectively. Shiongo Starlets clinched the Under-17 girls' title, narrowly beating Murhand Girls 1-0. Green Commandos also impressed in the Under-15 final, defeating Malaha FC 2-0, while Super Lions secured a 2-1 victory over Blue Lions in the Under-17 category.

In Mombasa, Old Town, Sargoi Youth, and Mombasa City claimed the boys' titles in the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 categories, respectively. The vibrant atmosphere across all venues underscored the league’s success in fostering grassroots football and unearthing Kenya’s next generation of stars.