- Kenya’s Under-20 men’s football team, the Rising Stars, received Ksh 1.8 million in recognition of their historic qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- During a celebratory breakfast event, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent, noting that many players were developed through national youth teams
- Preparations for AFCON 2025 will begin immediately, with plans for training camps and friendly matches against top-tier teams
Kenya’s Under-20 men’s football team, the Rising Stars, received a cash award of Ksh 1.8 million in recognition of their stellar performance and historic qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The awards were presented during a breakfast event hosted by Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the nation.
“This success highlights the Ministry’s dedication to nurturing talent, with six of the players having been groomed through the national U-13, U-15, and U-17 teams,” Murkomen stated, underscoring the importance of developing youth football in Kenya.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
He reiterated the government’s promise to increase financial backing for national teams, allowing players to focus solely on their performance without the burden of logistical challenges.
See Also:
1: Murkomen Apologizes for Flashy Lifestyle, Promises Accountability as New Sports CS
Looking ahead, Murkomen announced that preparations for AFCON 2025 will commence immediately, including extended training camps both locally and abroad, as well as friendly matches with top-tier teams.
“Our sights are not just set on AFCON glory but also on qualifying for the U-20 FIFA World Cup,” he added, signaling Kenya’s ambitions to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Under the guidance of coach Salim Babu, the Rising Stars secured their AFCON spot with a dominant 4-0 victory over Burundi in the CECAFA U-20 Championship semi-finals held in Dar es Salaam.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football, and the Ksh 1.8 million cash reward is part of the Ministry’s broader agenda to recognize and motivate top performers in the sport.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Murkomen also highlighted the Ministry’s plans to enhance talent identification through technology and promote Kenyan players to international academies.
The government is currently rolling out 30 sports academies across the country, aiming to establish one in each of Kenya’s 290 constituencies, further solidifying the foundation for future success.
