The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced a major shake-up within the U-17 Men’s National Team, declaring all technical bench positions vacant. The federation is now fast-tracking recruitment for eight key roles as part of preparations for the AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, set for November 15–30, 2025, in Tanzania.
What Positions Has FKF Advertised?
In a statement released by FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege on October 8, the federation said it seeks a new technical team that meets CAF and FIFA’s professional coaching standards. The eight 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 emphasized that the selection will focus on candidates with proven experience in youth football development, integrity, and technical competence. The process, which will close on October 20, will strictly follow CAF/FIFA licensing and eligibility standards. However, FKF did not confirm whether any previous bench members would be considered for reappointment.
Why the Overhaul of the Junior Stars Technical Team?
The decision follows ongoing concerns about the performance and structure of Kenya’s youth teams. FKF says the move is part of a long-term strategy to build a strong developmental pathway for young players, ensuring they progress through a system grounded in discipline, modern coaching, and player welfare. The federation’s approach aims to prioritize long-term growth over short-term victories, setting a stable foundation for future national team selections.
The upcoming CECAFA U-17 Qualifiers, hosted in Tanzania, will feature eight nations divided into two groups. Kenya will face Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan in Group B, while Group A includes Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Burundi. The top two finalists will qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
As teams prepare for the competition, all participating nations must arrive by December 9 for mandatory MRI age verification tests, a CAF requirement aimed at tackling age cheating.
Despite a mixed record in past tournaments, including a historic win in Kigali where Kenya beat Rwanda 3-2, the CECAFA competition remains an important stage for exposing young Kenyan talent to top-tier competition.
With less than two weeks to assemble a new technical unit, FKF’s Football Development Directorate faces an intense challenge. The future of Kenya’s youth football, and its next generation of national stars, will depend on how effectively the federation handles this crucial recruitment phase.
By Yockshard Enyendi