Kenya U20 coach Salim Babu is keen on winning the four-nation tournament in Malawi as the team prepares to depart later this week.The Junior Stars will play against Malawi in the semifinal, just like their senior counterparts. Should they win, they will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Zambia and Zimbabwe. If they fail to win, they will play a third-place playoff match against either side.##NAJAVA_MECA_7959220##Babu, who is also the Kenya U18 coach, has been sharpening his charges for the last week, and he is confident that they are ready for the tournament in Lilongwe.”The training sessions have been fruitful, spanning approximately five days, adequately preparing us for the upcoming tournament, as we were duly informed beforehand. All necessary arrangements are in place,” he said during an open media day on Monday afternoon at the Kasarani Annex.Discussing his team’s quality, the soft-spoken coach spoke confidently of the talent at his disposal, saying all departments in the team are well covered.”We’re well-equipped in all areas, commencing with our goalkeeping department, which stands solid. Our defensive line is robust, while our midfield and attack are performing admirably. We’re primed for the challenges ahead.”Kenya’s U20 team coach Salim Babu commended the level of play demonstrated by Tusker Youth FC in their Thursday friendly match at the KCB Sports Club. Despite the Junior Stars securing a 2-1 victory with goals from Christopher Koloti and Syphas Owour, Babu praised the… pic.twitter.com/gPMne9qVEB— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 15, 2024 On his targets in Malawi, Babu said the goal is to lift the title by beating the hosts in the semis and defeating their final opponents.”Our primary objective is to emerge victorious in both matches—the semifinal and the final. We’ve meticulously groomed the players both physically and mentally, and our technical staff is fully prepared,” he continued.A good portion of the players who participated in the CECAFA U18 Championship in Kisumu last year, apart from those in school, are part of the U20 side, and Babu says having familiar faces in the squad has eased preparations.Twaha Mbarak slams FKF for aborted AGM, calls for normalization committee”A significant portion of our squad that we had in Kisumu for three weeks is part of the team we are traveling with, and they understand how we want them to play. Our recent sessions have further solidified our readiness.”The Kenya Police FC boss also disclosed that Luis Ingavi, who is based in the US, and Spain-based Aldrine Kibet will not be joining the team. U18 captain Amos Wanjala had earlier pulled out of the team. Stanley Wilson, who has been in Sweden for trials, is expected to captain the team, while James Gichago, a Scotland-based midfielder, is also in camp.”Our squad comprises only two foreign-based players, Stano (Stanley Wilson) and Jemo (James Gichago). We don’t anticipate any additional players joining the camp. This presents an opportunity for other players to shine. Kibet and Ingavi seized their chance in Kisumu, earning recognition. Now, it’s time for others to showcase their talents.”Babu believes that the tournament could be a gateway for youngsters to pursue professional deals abroad, which, according to him, will result in Kenya having a strong team for AFCON 2027.”This presents a chance for other players to attract overseas interest. I firmly believe that with more young players plying their trade abroad, we’ll be in a formidable position when we host the AFCON in 2027.”Four nation tournament: Harambee Stars opponent, match date revealed
