Junior Stars Defender on Crucial Factor That Could Make William Muluya’s Charges Qualify for U17 AFCON

Kenya U17 defender Raphael Omondi believes discipline and teamwork will be the decisive factors as the Junior Stars continue their preparations for the upcoming CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, set to take place in Ethiopia from November 15 to December 2, 2025.

Speaking from the team’s training camp, the promising defender expressed his pride in making the final squad and his belief in the team’s potential to secure qualification for the 2026 U17 AFCON—and by extension, a chance to feature at the U17 World Cup.

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“It is a great honor for me to make the final squad. It’s not by luck—it’s by God’s grace that I am here,” said Omondi. 

“The camp is fantastic, and everything is on course. We’ve learned a lot, and there’s a strong sense of discipline instilled in the team. For instance, we have specific times to sleep and wake up, and everyone follows the rules. That level of discipline is what sets us apart.”

Omondi also praised the technical bench, led by head coach William Muluya, for instilling structure and competitiveness within the squad.

“Our main aim is to qualify for the AFCON before thinking about anything else,” he added. “The team is very competitive, and the technical staff has done a tremendous job preparing us. The squad is good, and we believe we can make the country proud.”

Earlier, coach William Muluya had expressed similar confidence in his side after unveiling the 25-man squad for the regional tournament. The Junior Stars have been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Rwanda, and will compete for one of two coveted tickets to the 2026 U17 AFCON.

Muluya admitted that the squad was assembled in a short period, but emphasized that the group has what it takes to go all the way.

“The squad is basically what we came up with after two days of trying out players,” Muluya said. “We couldn’t include everyone—some players were sitting for their KCAC final exams and couldn’t make it—but from what we have, this is the team we believe can compete and qualify.”

The tactician also outlined his expectations for the tournament, emphasizing the importance 

Most of the Junior Stars players were scouted from schools and youth academies across the country. According to Muluya, the coaching staff has been working tirelessly to boost their physical conditioning and tactical awareness.

“Many of these players haven’t been active in competitive leagues beyond school games,” the coach explained. 

“We’ve had to work on improving their fitness first, and now we’re focusing on tactical development so that they can be complete players ready to compete internationally.”

Kenya will begin their campaign against Somalia on November 18, followed by matches against Rwanda (November 21), South Sudan (November 24), and hosts Ethiopia (November 27).

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the finalists earning the region’s two tickets to the 2026 U17 AFCON—a tournament that serves as a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup.