Kenya Police FC coach Salim Babu has been appointed to lead the Kenya U17 national team in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, set to take place in Uganda from December 14-28, 2024.The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) technical tea, is in the process of assembling a squad that will soon begin preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted in Bukedea, Mbale, and Kampala. The top two teams from the qualifiers will secure spots in next year’s continental championship, though the host nation for that tournament is yet to be confirmed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494763##Babu, a well-respected developmental coach, has been entrusted with the U17 team following a successful year at the helm of various youth teams. Notably, he led the Kenya U18 team to the CECAFA U18 Championship final in 2023 and guided the U20 team to the final of the CECAFA U20 Championship last month, securing a place in next year’s U20 AFCON. Bidco United coach Anthony Akhulia will serve as his assistant.“We have full confidence in Babu and his staff, who have consistently delivered strong performances with our junior teams over the past year,” an FKF official shared with Mozzart Sport. “Our goal is to support them in every way possible as they strive to win the tournament and secure a place in the U17 AFCON.”Akhulia revels in Bidco United ending Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari unbeaten streaksNine countries have confirmed their participation in the qualifiers. In addition to Kenya, host nation Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania will compete for the two available AFCON U17 spots.To ensure fairness and player safety, CECAFA Competitions Director Yusuf Mossi has called for all participating teams to conduct Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests for their players prior to the tournament. Upon arrival in Uganda, the players will undergo further MRI tests by CAF-designated medical professionals.In the previous U-17 AFCON zonal qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Somalia defeated South Sudan 3-1 in the final, with both teams securing their spots in the continental tournament.Kenya women’s amputee team stranded in Germany after fourth place World Cup finish
