Kenya’s national teams are gearing up for major continental assignments, with the Rising Stars preparing for the CECAFA U20 qualifiers in Tanzania while the Malkia Strikers continue their campaign to defend the African volleyball title on home soil.
The Rising Stars have entered preparations for the CECAFA U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with head coach Gilbert Selebwa naming a provisional 45-man squad ahead of the tournament scheduled for September 16 to 30 in Tanzania.
The qualifiers will provide Kenya with an opportunity to compete for regional honours while also fighting for one of the two slots to the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Selebwa’s squad features players drawn from local clubs, academies, universities and schools, reflecting the growing pool of young football talent available to the national team.
Among those included are goalkeepers Arnold Shivachi of KCB FC, Boaz Muchiri of Mathare United, Rovin Odhiambo of Luanda Villa and Phillip Omollo of Vickers.
The defensive department features Elisha Nalianya of Kakamega Homeboyz, Bilal Otieno of Mathare United and Franklyn Omollo of Kariobangi Sharks, together with academy prospects such as Amos Wanjala of Valencia Academy and Jermaine Msine of Cryuff Academy.
In midfield, Zinedine Wesonga, Adrian Oloo and Paul Kinyanjui are among the players expected to battle for places, while the squad also includes players with international experience such as Andreas Odhiambo of Enköpings SK in Sweden and Aldrine Kibet of Celta Fortuna.
The attacking options include Alfred Ratolo, Nicholas Omondi, Bravin Makani and Quincy Mbugua.
The 45 players will compete for places in the final squad, with the technical team expected to assess their fitness, tactical understanding and ability to work together during the training camp.
The Rising Stars are expected to begin preparations at the Mashuuru Sports Complex, where the coaching staff will focus on conditioning, tactical organisation and team cohesion.
Kenya will face strong regional opposition in Tanzania, with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi among the teams expected to provide a stern test.
For the young players, the tournament could also become an important career opportunity, with strong performances potentially attracting attention from bigger clubs and scouts.
Meanwhile, the Malkia Strikers have made a perfect start to their African championship title defence.
Kenya defeated Mali 3–0 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday, August 27, recording set scores of 25–17, 25–10 and 25–18.
The victory came after another 3–0 win over Zambia in Kenya’s opening match, meaning the defending champions have now won two matches without dropping a set.
Against Mali, the opening set was closely contested, with the teams level at 15–15 before Kenya pulled away to win 25–17.
The second set was more one-sided as Kenya dominated and limited Mali to just 10 points.
Mali showed greater resistance in the third set, but Kenya remained in control and eventually closed out the match 25–18.
The result puts Kenya at the top of Pool A, which now consists of three teams following Morocco’s withdrawal from the tournament.
The Malkia Strikers entered the championship as defending African champions after defeating Egypt 3–0 in the 2023 final in Yaoundé.
The African champions will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, while the top three teams will secure places at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.
The championship is being held in Nairobi from August 25 to September 5, giving Kenya the advantage of competing in front of home supporters.
With 15 teams competing across four pools, the battle for the knockout stages is expected to intensify as the tournament progresses.
The Rising Stars are chasing a place in Ghana, while the Malkia Strikers are chasing another African crown and an Olympic ticket.
As the two campaigns gather momentum, Kenyan sport has another opportunity to showcase its next generation of footballers alongside one of Africa’s most successful women’s volleyball teams.
