By Oscar Pilipili
Kenya ‘A’ boys’ team takes on Ghana in the opening match of the Pan African Airtel Rising Stars Football Championship at City Stadium on Monday.
The Under-17 team, which was selected at the just concluded Airtel Rising Stars National Finals in Mombasa, has been in residential camp under the tutelage of Johnen Makumi of Jericho High School.
The Kenya team will be counting on the experience of Kakamega High School’s national Under-20 fullback Sammy Meja.
The Green Commandoes star will be keen to atone for the disappointing showing at the National School Games which saw his team bundled out at the semi-finals by eventual winners St Anthony.
The Kenya ‘B’ team is coached by Dan Otieno of Kisumu Day Secondary. The two girls’ teams are handled by Lucas Bwire and Fred Serenge.
Prove difficult
Ghana should prove a difficult opponent for Kenya going by their impressive record in the age-category competitions.
Ghana, a continental power house and two-time Fifa Under-17 World Cup Champions, will be hoping to make a good start against the hosts Kenya who will be counting on home ground advantage.
Sixteen boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams have been drawn in four and three respective pools of four teams each.
The Fixtures for the preliminary rounds of the tourney, which will be played in a league format, will provide several mouthwatering matches.
Regional rivalries
