Salim Babu stands in history as the first coach to lead a Kenyan junior team to the Africa Cup of Nations. Babu has been in charge of Kenya’s Under-20 football team, the rising Stars, and has led them to the U-20 AFCON that starts in Egypt at the beginning of May.
Kenya qualified for the biennial championship after finishing second at the East and Central Africa (CECAFA) regional qualifiers, losing in the final to hosts Tanzania.
It was the culmination of a two year project Babu started when he coached the Under-18 team, Junior Stars, who reached the final of the CECAFA Under-18 Championship. Most of the players who were in that junior team, transited to the Under-20 team.
And now, as they land in Egypt, the tactician is not just content with the history of qualification, but wants to go in and make a mark, with World Cup qualification top of his agenda.
The four semi-finalists from the tournament will book a ticket to the Under-20 World Cup which will be held in Chile later in the year.
Kenya however has its work cut out at the tournament, as they have been drawn in a tough pool. They will compete against seasoned teams Nigeria, Tunisia and Morocco in Group B. Only the top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the quarters, while there are two available best-placed number three slots from the three groups for a place in the last eight.
The Rising Stars need at least a win and a draw to put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the quarters. Despite the mammoth challenge that awaits them, coach Babu remains optimistic that his squad has what it takes to make it into the knockout phases and chase for their dream place at the World Cup.
With the national Under-17 girls’ team already having marched into history by becoming the first ever Kenyan team to play at a World Cup last year, Babu borrows inspiration from them that he can guide the boys to similar success too.
The tactician spoke exclusively to Telecomasia.net ahead of the team’s sojourn to Egypt and reveals their targets, ambitions and the magnitude of work awaiting his charges in the Egyptian capital.
- How big of an achievement first of all for you and the team to achieve a place at the Cup of Nations?
- This is a really massive tournament for the boys and us as a technical bench. We have never been there and this is a massive opportunity to experience such kind of a stage and also, being part of Kenyan football history. Generations to come will always be referred back to us and that is something huge for anyone.
In terms of an opportunity, this is one that the boys need to take with their two hands. More eyes will be on them because the ages of 17-20 are usually scouting ages and there will be so many people watching from agents to coaches. For the players, this is a chance to market themselves and take their careers to the next level.
- In terms of preparation, how has everything gone?
- We have prepared really well up to this moment. We have been together in camp for almost a month and we have had a chance to test all the players we had at our disposal. We have no excuse, we have been given everything we needed. In terms of physical preparedness we are okay. Mentally, we are also okay. I believe what is left now is just executing the job in Egypt. The morale is good and we have formed a really strong team bon and we are ready to compete and fight for the country.
- How hard has it been to come up with the final squad, noting that at the start you had a group of almost 60 players?
- Honestly it wasn’t very hard. What I usually tell the players, a chance in the team squarely depends on them. If you show your worth on the pitch, you will get a place in the squad. We wanted to build a competitive team and not build a squad with names. Talent and hard work was all we needed and I am pretty sure we have build a strong team and everyone is ready.
- The senior men’s national team coach Benni McCarthy has been very close to the team. How big has this been for the team?
- It has been a really refreshing feeling for the team; both coaches and players. Just him coming to watch the boys train and coming for our friendly matches has really motivated us because if a national team coach can be that close to a Youth Team, then it shows that there is so much promise for them. He comes in, speaks to them, jokes with them and being such a high calibre coach and former player, it gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.
- You are headed for an early camp in Egypt, how crucial is this to the last end of preparation?
- It will be very important for us to go there early and acclimatize and get used to the weather and all conditions. We will also play at least one friendly match with one of the teams there just to see where we are. It will be important to face a different opponent with a different style and different culture. Back at home we have faced only Kenyan Premier League teams and it will be good to also size ourselves against our age group.
- Kenya has been drawn in a really tough group. What do you make of it?
- It is a tough group but definitely something we expected. Any team that has qualified for the tournament is a tough team. We are facing teams which have been there before and have experience at such a tournament and we know it is going to be tough. But for us, we are taking a match at a time. We are first timers and for us, teamwork will be our biggest weapon.
- Do you think Kenya being first timers will be a scouting advantage?
- Definitely. We will take full advantage of that because not so much is known about us. Not everyone has seen us and we have not been at that level before. We will use that surprise act to beat our opponents and before they know it we have advanced. We have the confidence to push ourselves to achieve our target.
- What is the target heading to the AFCON?
- Our target from the start, and we have made that clear to the players, is to go to the World Cup. We need to get to the semis to book one of the four available slots and we are ready for that. We have what it takes and the boys have also vowed to give their all to attain that target.
- The Under-17 girls made history last year. Is it possible with the boys as well?
- Absolutely. The boys are also challenged by the girls and I think it is high time for us to make history too. They always say if the girls can do it, why can’t we do it too? We have the ability to push the limits just like the girls. When we watched them play at the World Cup, they were a motivation for us. If we can have the boys too playing at that stage, it will be such a massive statement for Youth football in Kenya.
