The anticipation for an exciting football festival on January 2 is growing, as the national Under-20 boys and girls select teams prepare to face Busia County’s finest talent.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced the upcoming match, signaling the beginning of the New Year with exhibition games between the national U20 teams and the Busia County U20 Combine.
Namwamba unveiled the final roster for the Talanta Hela U17 and U20 Girls and Boys Select Team 2023, consisting of players from various county teams that participated in the Talanta Hela Under-19 football tournament. The selection process involved revered local football coaches and ex-Kenyan internationals, with Namwamba expressing satisfaction with the diverse and competitive teams.
The CS highlighted the success of the talent progression pipeline established through the Talanta Hela flagship, aiming to identify, nurture, and monetize talents.
He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to contest all future U17 and U20 World Cup qualifiers starting in 2024, part of a long-term master plan to build a formidable Harambee Stars for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.
The Talanta Hela U19 competition, which began at the Ward level, culminated in a historic national showpiece lasting ten days at Moi Sports Center Kasarani, Jamhuri Grounds, and Nyayo National Stadium.
Namwamba expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the national and county governments in realizing this exciting football renaissance odyssey.
