We could soon have an FKF Premier League youth team if the statement by CS Ababu Namwamba is anything to go by.On Sunday, after the Junior Starlets sealed their qualification for the World Cup, the CS disclosed that he had discussed with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) the need to plan for a youth league as a launchpad for young players to start their careers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8161482##Kenya has not had a structured youth league to complement the top tier, with the closest being the U19 and U20 tournaments held under KPL in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The last engagement of youth teams was in 2016 when all 16 teams fielded youth sides in the U20 leagues during the April, August, and December holidays.While addressing the press, the CS said he had instructed the federation to revamp the youth league, giving young players a chance to continue competing as they seek career breakthroughs.”I have asked FKF to revive and strengthen the youth league so that youngsters can have continuous competition. For example, during the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi, I insisted on having a U20 segment. It was beneficial for our U20 players to gain experience from that,” the CS stated.Junior Starlets smile to the bank after World Cup qualificationBeneficiaries of the 2016 KPL tournament include Tusker FC’s Brian Bwire and Michael Kibwage, KCB’s Faraj Ominde, AFC Leopards’ Lewis Bandi, Musa Oundo and Maxwell Mulili, Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo, and Bandari’s Abdallah Hassan and James Kinyanjui, among many others.The CS further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young sportsmen. “If Kenyans needed confirmation that supporting the youth through programs such as Talanta Hela works, and that investing in talent development works, then the Junior Starlets qualifying for the World Cup is confirmation of that,” he stated.The Junior Starlets became the first Kenyan team to qualify for a football World Cup in the Dominican Republic on Sunday after beating Burundi 2-0 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. They are one of the three teams from Africa that will participate in the tournament, alongside Zambia and Nigeria.Harambee Stars squad for COSAFA Cup to be named today
