In the heart of Kenya’s football resurgence, Harambee Stars’ head coach, Engin Firat, reflects on the strides made in identifying and nurturing young talent. The journey toward true youth development, however, he emphasizes, is a marathon, not a sprint.Recent efforts to unearth budding football stars at the grassroots level have been evident, with the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) taking the lead. The announcement of two national junior teams, carefully chosen with the guidance of esteemed coaches, marked a significant step in this direction.##NAJAVA_MECA_7769823##These young talents are set to embark on a transformative journey as they gear up for international build-up matches in Spain later this year.Yet, as the nation revels in this achievement, Firat advocates for a broader and more sustained approach. “A country’s football can only improve if there is a long-term strategy, not daily results. Therefore, I believe we still have a long way to go to have real youth development,” he asserts, underlining the importance of a visionary plan.With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda looming on the horizon, Firat outlines a middle-term strategy. His vision involves a harmonious blend of experienced players and youthful vigor, a concoction he deems essential for the team to reach its zenith.”The plan is to have a good mix of experience and youngsters, which is what the team needs to be at its prime,” Firat affirms, revealing a blueprint aimed at sustained success rather than immediate gratification.Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Harambee Stars find themselves in a favorable position, having already secured three crucial points. A resounding 5-0 victory over Seychelles showcased their prowess, albeit marred by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Gabon. As the qualifiers resume in June, Kenya is set to host Burundi on June 3 and Ivory Coast on June 10 in crucial fixtures that could shape their World Cup destiny.In the midst of this bustling schedule, Firat remains steadfast in his belief that the squad, fortified with emerging talents, can weather the challenges. He is confident that the team will not only make a strong showing in the World Cup qualifiers but also excel in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the final of which is slated to be held in Morocco.E-sports Secures Spot in Olympic Games Starting with Paris 2024
