William Muluya Reveals Ultimate Aim in Ethiopia as Junior Stars Eye AFCON U17 Slot

William Muluya has explained what he expects to achieve at the upcoming CECAFA U17 AFCON qualifiers in Ethiopia.

Kenya U17 head coach William Muluya has laid bare the ambitions of his Junior Stars squad as they prepare to compete in the CECAFA U17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Ethiopia later this month.

The Junior Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Somalia. Kenya will begin their campaign on November 18 against Somalia before facing Rwanda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia in their subsequent fixtures.

Muluya, who has been working closely with his coaching staff to build a cohesive and competitive team, expressed the squad’s eagerness ahead of their opening game.

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“We are to set the foot actually on the pitch. We are eager to have our first game. We are eager to see the results,”  Muluya said.

The team’s preparation has been underpinned by a clear focus on technical ability and tactical cohesion. 

Muluya highlighted that while technical skills are key, the tactical aspect is something the coaching staff is shaping carefully, aiming to create strong bonds in play. This involves connecting positions and players to maximize effectiveness on the field, especially in high-pressure tournament conditions.

We Are Ambitious - Muluya

Despite the natural nerves that come with competitive international football, the Junior Stars remain ambitious, setting their sights not just on individual matches but on the entire tournament journey. Muluya reflected on the team’s mindset and goals:

“We are anxious, but basically again we are also ambitious for the tournament. So we really hope that all the things are going to be possible based on how we have planned.”

The coach emphasized that the ambition extends beyond just qualifying; it’s about sustaining a strong performance throughout the competition, aiming to be contenders until the final whistle of the last game:

“We know everyone is looking for it. And like I say, for us it's to play until the last day of the tournament.”

As the Junior Stars prepare to take on regional rivals in Ethiopia, the nation’s hopes rest on their ability to convert training ground lessons into competitive performances. 

Success in this tournament would secure Kenya’s place in the U17 AFCON, a platform that has historically launched many young talents into professional careers.