The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has declared the entire technical bench of the U-17 Men’s National Team vacant, initiating an immediate and urgent recruitment process to fill eight key positions ahead of crucial regional qualifiers.
In an announcement issued by FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege on October 8, the federation confirmed it is seeking a new team to guide the Junior Stars, citing a commitment to uphold high coaching standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
The move is part of FKF’s strategic preparation for the upcoming AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, scheduled for November 15–30, 2025, in Tanzania.
8 Vacant Positions
The vacant positions include:
- Head Coach (CAF A License mandatory)
- Assistant Coach (CAF B License minimum)
- Goalkeeper Coach (CAF C License minimum)
- Team Manager
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Physiotherapist
- Performance Analyst/Video
- Safeguarding Officer
FKF insists that the recruitment process shall prioritize candidates with proven experience in youth development, integrity, and competence.
The federation also assured that the selection process will be conducted transparently, while strictly adhering to all CAF/FIFA licensing and eligibility standards, and will be concluded by October 20, 2025.
FKF has not disclosed whether any members of the previous technical bench will be considered for reappointment.
Strategic Overhaul by FKF
The overhaul comes amid growing concerns over the performance and preparedness of Kenya’s youth teams.
FKF aims to build a robust technical foundation for the U-17 squad, focusing on long-term development and competitive readiness.
FKF aims to assemble a technical team with proven experience in nurturing young talent, ensuring that players progress through a system built on integrity, competence, and modern training methodologies.
The federation’s strategy prioritizes long-term player growth over short-term results, with the goal of building a sustainable pipeline for future national team selections.
AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers
The CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Uganda from December 14 to 27, with matches hosted at St. Mary’s Stadium-Kitende and Nakivubo Hamz Stadium.
Eight teams will compete, divided into two groups:
- Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi
- Group B: Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya
The top two finalists will earn qualification to the 2025 U-17 AFCON.
All participating teams must arrive by December 9 for mandatory MRI age verification tests, a CAF requirement aimed at curbing age cheating.
The tournament serves as a key platform for developing and advancing youth talent to the continental stage.
Kenya’s CECAFA U-17 Track Record
Kenya’s U-17 national team has had a mixed history in the CECAFA U-17 Championship. Their standout moment came in Kigali, where they lifted the title after defeating the hosts, Rwanda, 3-2 in a thrilling final.
The squad, largely drawn from the National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA), showcased promising talent including Martin Lemayan, Joseph Wanyonyi, and John Nairuka.
Also Read: KPL 2025/2026 Fixtures, Standings, Results and Top Scorers
In other editions, Kenya finished third in 2007 but struggled in subsequent tournaments. They exited at the group stage in 2009 and 2020 and placed fourth in 2018.
Their overall CECAFA U-17 record stands at 14 matches played, with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, resulting in 15 goals scored and 32 conceded.
Despite inconsistent results, the CECAFA platform remains vital for Kenya’s youth football development, offering exposure and competitive experience ahead of continental qualifiers.
Challenge for Kenya
The immediate challenge for the FKF Football Development Directorate, tasked with overseeing the recruitment, is to attract and vet qualified candidates within the compressed 12-day window.
Also Read: Revealed: Millions FKF Premier League Champions for 25/26 Season Will Pocket
The success of the Junior Stars in Tanzania will depend heavily on the federation’s ability to swiftly appoint a competent and cohesive technical unit capable of identifying talent and preparing a competitive squad in record time.
All eyes will now be on Kandanda House to see who will be entrusted with shaping the future of Kenya’s next generation of football stars.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
