Former Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi is wary on how long it will take the government to implement the nationwide U19 football tournament across all 47 counties, an initiative by President William Samoei Ruto’s administration.On Jamhuri Day, the president pronounced that plans were underway to have the tournament in place as one of the measures the government is taking to ensure that Kenya is a football powerhouse as well as to ensure Harambee Stars qualifies for the 2030 World Cup.Here comes the Bottom Up U19 Tournament, championed by Dr RutoThe former Mathare United, Sofapaka, Tusker, and Wazito boss has admitted that they are ready to support the initiative, noting that it is crucial that youth are given such a chance to do what they enjoy most.”That is something well supported by us because when you talk about youth and the development of potential and talented youngsters we are always available to make sure that we support that initiative. Our only concern is whether it is something that will be implemented as soon as possible. It is important that the youth are given an opportunity to do what they like most,” Kimanzi said during an FKF Instructors Refresher Workshop.##NAJAVA_MECA_6893214##Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Ruto said the tournament was part of his administration grand scheme to make Kenya football powerhouse.Respected tactician Beldine Odemba lauds Bottom Up U19 Tournament“As part of this plan, I have accepted to champion a grassroots football development program that will see the national government work with county governments to invest heavily in youth football,” President William Ruto said in his speech during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Monday 12 December“Arrangements are at an advanced stage to launch a Bottom-up football tournament to be contested by under-19 teams from all 47 Counties. We will work with our governors for each County to build a team right from the ward level. This is the first step in our Football Vision 2030 where we target to see Harambee Stars play at the 2030 World Cup and Kenya host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Together, let us build Kenyan football Bottom-up, from the grassroots of our villages to the grand stage of the World Cup.” He added.
