The stage is set for the CAF African Schools Football Championship (CECAFA Zone), which officially kicks off on Saturday in Uganda, but uncertainty looms over Kenya’s involvement after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) remained silent in the lead-up to the tournament.
The regional qualifiers, scheduled for December 6–9, 2025, will be hosted across two venues — St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende and the FUFA Kadiba Stadium — bringing together some of East and Central Africa’s most promising U15 school teams.
The competition, widely regarded as the continent’s most impactful youth football championship, plays a critical role in talent development across the region.
According to a CECAFA press release dated November 30, 2025, Ethiopia will make a comeback to the championship after missing the last two editions.
CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi expressed delight at Ethiopia’s return, noting that the nation last featured in the inaugural edition held in Tanzania in 2022.
This year’s qualifiers will feature a record 10 teams in the Boys’ category and eight in the Girls’ category, highlighting growing interest and investment in school-level football across the region.
The stakes are high, with winners in each category set to receive US$100,000, runners-up US$75,000, and bronze medalists US$50,000.
CECAFA emphasizes that these funds are used for development projects within the participating schools, strengthening grassroots infrastructure.
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Despite the growing enthusiasm across the CECAFA region, Kenya’s status remains unclear.
Traditionally, the country has fielded teams in both the boys’ and girls’ U15 categories and has been a competitive presence in the tournament.
However, after withdrawing from the 2024 edition, FKF has yet to make any public announcement or issue updates on whether the country will participate in the 2025 qualifiers.
The silence has sparked concerns among fans, coaches, and school sports stakeholders who view the championship as a crucial platform for exposing young Kenyan players to international competition.
With the tournament kicking off imminently, the absence of an official position from FKF is seen as a missed opportunity for early preparation, team selection, and logistical planning.
As other CECAFA nations finalize their squads and settle into training camps in Uganda, Kenya’s continued silence risks relegating the country to the sidelines of one of Africa’s fastest-growing school competitions.
The event not only provides competitive action but also offers players access to CAF-led development programs, educational opportunities, and pathways into professional football.
Stakeholders within Kenyan youth football have urged FKF to clarify the country’s position, warning that repeated absences could stall progress made in earlier years when Kenyan school teams performed admirably at regional level.
With the tournament beginning this weekend, time is running out for any last-minute confirmation from Kenya.
If the country fails to participate again, it would mark a second consecutive absence — a worrying trend for a nation once considered among the region’s most consistent youth football contributors.
By Our reporter
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