Mombasa: The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has commenced the selection process for Under 17 players who will join the National Team for the CECAFA Championship and AFCON zonal qualifiers in Uganda in December. FKF officials, led by National Under-20 Coach Salim Babu, braved the scorching sun of the Port City of Mombasa to scout for players at the Ronald Ngala Pitch in Mvita Constituency.

According to Kenya News Agency, Coach Babu emphasized the importance of grassroots scouting, stating, ‘We have come to scout for talents. We have decided to select youths from every region because if we call them to Nairobi, we will lock out many talents.’ He further explained that the aim is to field a formidable team for the regional tournament, as talents are abundant in the grassroots.

Coach Babu highlighted the potential in Mombasa’s youth, noting their prowess in football despite their young age. He stressed that bringing trials to Mombasa is essential to overcome the logistical hurdles that would prevent many talen
ted youths from traveling to Nairobi.

The selection process in Mombasa will see 11 youths chosen over the two-day trials to participate in the National trials in Nairobi. Those not selected for Uganda will still be recorded in the federation’s database, potentially providing future opportunities.

Coach Babu also called on the Mombasa County Government to invest in more sports facilities to nurture young talents and provide a platform for showcasing their abilities. He urged youths to engage in sports during the school holidays, steering clear of indecorous behavior and substance abuse.

He stated, ‘If we will have many sports facilities, the youth will be active in sports thus reducing cases of drug abuse and theft. They will be tired and by the time they reach home, they refresh and sleep. You may find the youths have talents but lack sports facilities to train.’