Kenya Under-20 national team head coach Salim Babu says early preparation will be key for the team as they seek a good performance in their debut at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year. Kenya qualified for the junior Cup of Nations for the first time ever after reaching the final of the CECAFA regional Championship held in Tanzania.
Despite losing the final 2-1 to hosts Tanzania, Babu says their biggest takeaway was the qualification for next year’s U20 AFCON.
We made history, and all of us are proud of what we achieved in Tanzania. But now, we put that behind our backs and focus on what’s ahead, and that is the big task. I believe we can do well because we have a very good squad, and we have been together for a long time since the Under-18. But I believe we are going into a new level, which we have to be very ready for. I just want to ask the government and the Federation to ensure that we are accorded the best preparation.
Salim Babu exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
The tactician has also paid tribute to the players for the effort they put in at the tournament in Dar es Salaam and believes they have set the pathway to earn promotion to the senior team, Harambee Stars.