Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo has officially unveiled the Kenya U23 Emerging Stars squad set to compete in the upcoming 2024 COSAFA Cup. Scheduled from June 26 to July 7 in South Africa, this tournament presents a significant opportunity for Kenya’s young football talent to showcase their skills on the international stage.
The COSAFA Cup, predominantly featuring players under the age of 23, serves as a crucial developmental platform for emerging talents across the African continent. For Kenya, it marks a pivotal moment in their preparation towards future international competitions, including the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The Emerging Stars squad announced by assistant coach Ken Odhiambo is brimming with promising young players eager to make their mark. Among the notable inclusions are Austine Odhiambo, Chrispine Erambo, Byrne Omondi, and Kaycie Odhiambo. These players have demonstrated their prowess domestically and are now poised to gain invaluable international experience.
Notably, the squad also features several promising U18 talents who have been fast-tracked into the senior setup. Aldrine Kibet, Elly Owande, Ibrahim Wanzala, and Amos Wanjala are among those who caught the eye with their performances at the youth level, earning a deserved call-up to the final squad for the COSAFA Cup.
Beyond the immediate challenge of the COSAFA Cup, this tournament holds strategic importance for Kenya’s long-term football ambitions. As the country gears up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the exposure gained by the Emerging Stars in South Africa will be instrumental in their development.
Assistant coach Ken Odhiambo emphasized the significance of this tournament in providing crucial international exposure to the squad. “The COSAFA Cup presents a fantastic opportunity for our young players to test themselves against tough opposition and gain valuable experience,” he stated. “This experience will be vital as we build towards hosting and competing in the AFCON in 2027.”
As the Emerging Stars prepare to embark on their COSAFA Cup journey, expectations are high for their performance. The coaching staff and fans alike will be closely watching how these young talents adapt to the challenges of international football and seize the opportunity to shine.
The squad announcement has generated excitement among football enthusiasts in Kenya, who eagerly await the team’s debut in the COSAFA Cup. With a blend of seasoned U23 players and promising U18 talents, the Emerging Stars are poised to make a statement in South Africa and lay the groundwork for Kenya’s footballing future.
