Salim Babu confident in Rising Stars’ AFCON U20 preparations
Rising Stars will be making their debut in the tournament, having been drawn in Group C alongside reigning champions Senegal, 2017 winners Zambia, and fellow debutants Sierra Leone.
Rising Stars coach Salim Babu has expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparations for the upcoming 2025 AFCON U20 tournament set to be held in Egypt from April 27 to May 18.
Babu was speaking at the Ulinzi Sports Complex after the team’s 1-1 draw in the friendly match against FKF Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks on Thursday.
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On Wednesday, the team had won 4-0 in another friendly match against top-flight opposition, Ulinzi Stars.
“We have had two good friendly matches. Even though we drew today after winning yesterday, I am happy that the players are adapting to our tactical shape. The fact that we can defend and attack well against top flights convinces me that we are doing things right and we are capable of getting positive results at the AFCON tournament,” Babu said.
Babu had named a provisional squad of 35 players but he is currently working with 32 players as three players are yet to arrive.
“We are almost a full house and currently we are waiting for the arrivals of Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala, and Stanley Wilson,” he said before admitting that the quality of the players in the camp will present a challenge in deciding the final squad that will travel to Egypt.
“It will be hard selecting the final squad because all the players are working hard to make it, but I want to assure Kenyans that we will select the best team to represent the country.”
Rising Stars winger Ezekiel Omuri echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying, “Our preparations are going well and there is stiff competition among the players to make the final squad. We are getting better each day, and we are ready to compete at AFCON. Of course, the coaches will make the final decision on who makes the team and I am confident that whoever will be selected will be equal to the task.”
Additionally, Omuri stated that featuring in the tournament will be a great honour and the prospect of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA World Cup gives him added motivation to make the final squad.
“It is always a player’s dream to represent their country at a major tournament. That will be a great honour for me. The tournament also offers a route for qualifying for the World Cup, which is another big stage. We aspire to get there because we know that there will be scouts watching us and that can open up more opportunities for us,” Omuri said.
The 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup will be held in Chile from September 27 to October 19. Rising Stars will qualify for the tournament automatically if they reach the semifinals of the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament.
Rising Stars will be making their debut in the tournament, having been drawn in Group C alongside reigning champions Senegal, 2017 winners Zambia, and fellow debutants Sierra Leone.
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