Rising Stars awarded Sh1.8 million for AFCON qualification

By FKF Communications

The Ministry of Sports hosted the Kenya U20 national football team, Rising Stars, for a celebratory breakfast at Talanta Hela Plaza on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

The event honoured the team’s exceptional performance in the U20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers, where they emerged as runners-up and earned a place in the prestigious U20 AFCON championship.

The qualification marked a significant achievement as they became the first junior team to qualify for the tournament.

This triumph was built on the solid foundation laid by Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

FKF Youth Committee Chairman Chris Amimo highlighted the importance of the structures in place, saying, “While you see the achievement now, the process began long ago.”

Addressing the players and members of the technical bench, Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, said, “We can ensure this kind of continuity if we engage the Kenya Academy of Sports and schools more effectively. Together, we can create a talent conveyor that competes with the best in the world.”

Many of the players in the current U20 squad were also part of the U18 team that clinched a silver medal at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championship, demonstrating the consistent development of talent within FKF’s youth setup.

This qualification is a major milestone for the country’s youth football development, giving Rising Stars the opportunity to compete on a continental stage and showcase their talent against Africa’s best.

The team was awarded Sh1.8 million for the successful AFCON qualification.

"To celebrate their exemplary performance, the team has been awarded Sh1.8 million in line with our reward and recognition agenda. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the players, coach, FKF, technical staff, and fans for this outstanding achievement. AFCON 2025, here we come,” stated the CS.

The Ministry of Sports has in the meantime embarked on a broader agenda by enhancing talent identification through technology, which includes precise data collection to pitch players to international academies.

The adds that the rollout of 30 initial sports academies across the country is underway, with a goal to establish academies in all 290 constituencies.