Kenya U23 and TRA United central defender Sharrif Majabe has set his sights on earning a return to the Harambee Stars after being named in Anthony Kimani’s provisional Emerging Stars squad for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The 22-year-old is part of the squad preparing to face regional rivals Tanzania in the first round of qualifiers, with Kenya hosting the opening leg at Nyayo National Stadium on Monday, 28 September before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on Tuesday, 6 October.The aggregate winner will progress to the second round, where they will face Ivory Coast.
For Majabe, the call-up represents an opportunity to revive his international ambitions after spending the last two years away from the national team setup.The defender was last involved with Harambee Stars in September 2024 when the late former head coach Engin Firat included him in the final squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.He made both matchday squads but did not feature.
Harambee Stars forward bags goal on first start for English sideNow back in the national setup, Majabe is hoping to use the Emerging Stars assignment as a stepping stone towards a place in the senior team ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.“I am happy to be back in the squad. This is a moment I have been praying for, and coming back to the national team setup is a huge step in my career growth,” the lanky defender said.“But this is just the beginning. We have a huge tournament coming up in around a year, and it is every player’s wish to represent his country at such a huge level and in global competitions.
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I see the U23 call-up as a big step towards my dream of playing at AFCON next year. I needed this chance, and it is here, so it is up to me to try and convince the coaches that I can do it and move to the senior side.”For now, though, the former Laiser Hill Academy skipper insists his attention is firmly on the Emerging Stars and the challenge posed by Tanzania.“For now, I am focused on the U23 duties, trying to do what I can and leave the rest to the coaches. I believe in my qualities. All I want is to keep learning and help my country,” he added.
Majabe made his first move abroad in July when he joined Tanzanian side TRA United from FKF Premier League outfit Bandari.The former Mombasa Elite defender believes the move to Tanzania has accelerated his development, particularly through regular battles against foreign players in the Tanzanian top flight.“Playing in the Tanzanian league and also being away from home has hardened me differently. In the Ligi Kuu, we meet a lot of foreigners who make it hard for you, and as a defender, you need to be resilient to deal with them.Kenya receive invitation to inaugural U15 FIFA World Cup and FestivalI believe I am more ready than I was two years ago. I am hardened and have learnt a few things about life that I believe will help me become a better defender,” explained the lanky centre back.