Kenya U17 head coach William Muluya has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to invest in nationwide scouting and longer training camps after the Junior Stars were eliminated from the CECAFA U17 Championship in Rwanda.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Junior Stars had only two weeks to prepare for the regional competition, which doubles as the qualifier for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027907##Their lack of cohesion was evident in their two group matches, with Kenya losing 2-0 to Tanzania before suffering a similar defeat against Somalia. The team failed to find the back of the net in either encounter, bringing their campaign to an early end.Muluya had called for better preparations after Kenya finished fourth at last year’s championship in Ethiopia. However, the limited time available to assemble and prepare the squad remained a challenge, with the coach now advocating for a long-term plan to improve the team’s competitiveness.Government gives fresh assurance on Talanta, Kasarani stadiums amid AFCON 2027 hosting concernsHe wants FKF to identify talent from across the country and assemble the selected players for a year-long programme to help them develop an understanding and build the cohesion required to compete at international level.“What we need to do is have a nationwide scouting programme and bring the players together for a whole year. We should not have players coming together just a few months or days before a tournament,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027931##The tactician also emphasised the importance of team spirit, arguing that determination and unity can make a difference when teams compete in high-pressure tournaments.“Another takeaway is that sometimes you just have to play like it is a tournament because when you bring your hearts out more than the talent, you are going to win. But for you to bring your hearts out, you have to have been together for some time and have that cohesion,” he added.Gor Mahia head coach provides update on suspended Harambee Stars duoMuluya further noted that tactical preparation alone could not compensate for the lack of time players spend together, describing Kenya’s two matches in Rwanda as tests for the squad.“If we say we can rely on tactics, especially for a team that has not played together for a while, it is going to be difficult. These were like our two test matches,” he said.President Ruto, Coe reaffirm shared commitment to successful 2029 World Championships in NairobiThe Junior Stars will hope for a better campaign at next year’s CECAFA U17 Championship, where a top-three finish would secure qualification to the U17 AFCON in Morocco.
59