Kenya National U20 team players. The team has lined up several friendly matches as they prepare for continental duties. [Photo/footballkenya.org]
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed the participation of the National U20 team in various tournaments and friendly matches this year.
FKF says the Kenya under 20 team, famously known as the Rising Stars, will take part in friendly matches and tournaments, in line with the Federations’ long-term vision of improving football from the youth levels.
The team is set to report to camp on February 5, 2018, with a friendly match against Tanzania on the cards. Also lined up is a four-nation tournament in Egypt in March this year.
“We have a policy that will ensure our junior teams actively participate in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) competitions,” FKF CEO Robert Muthomi is quoted by footballkenya.org.
“These friendly matches will provide an opportunity for our junior players to not only experience international matches but also learn vital aspects of the game that are key to their future football development,” he added.
Last year the team took part in two friendlies against Senegal in Dakar, losing both matches to the West African Country.
The Rising Stars will be using the friendly matches to prepare for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations qualifier matches. The next edition of the juniors’ tournament will be held next year.