Nairobi, Kenya – The national Under-20 football team, Rising Stars, received a significant morale boost as their captain, Amos Wanjala, is set to arrive back in the country on Monday, The Pitch View can exclusively reveal. The rock-solid central defender has been noticeably absent from the team’s intensive preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) finals, scheduled to kick off in Egypt later this month. His commitments with his Spanish club, Athletic Torrellano, had kept him away, but now he’s ready to rejoin his Kenyan teammates.
Wanjala confirmed his imminent return, stating in an exclusive telephone interview with Mozzart Sport, “We will play our last game of the season on Sunday. I cannot wait to join my teammates on Monday.” His arrival is seen as a major plus for coach Salim Babu’s squad, injecting leadership and experience into the heart of the defense as they gear up for the continental challenge.
However, the skipper is under no illusions about walking straight back into the starting lineup. He is keenly aware that he faces stiff competition for a central defensive berth. In Wanjala’s absence, Coach Babu has experimented with various defensive combinations, with Manzur Suleiman Okwaro establishing himself on the left side of central defense. The trio of Joseph Bate, Jackson Imbiakha, and Charles Junior have also impressed in friendly matches, showcasing their capabilities in manning the right side of the central defense.
Wanjala acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “Much as I play a key leadership role, I have to work hard. I believe we will also have to work as a team to achieve our objectives.” He understands that the upcoming training camp in Morocco will be crucial for him to prove his fitness and form and, ultimately, secure his place in the starting eleven for the AFCON tournament.
Despite missing the local preparations, Wanjala has been keeping a close eye on the team’s progress through their friendly matches against top-tier Kenyan Premier League sides. The Rising Stars have shown commendable form, highlighted by a resounding 4-0 victory over four-time champions Ulinzi Stars two weeks ago. They also held Kariobangi Sharks and Kenya Police to 1-1 draws, before narrowly losing 3-2 to Tusker in their most recent friendly on Saturday.
“We have a good team and the results are there for all to see,” Wanjala commented, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance in these build-up games. “I believe the team has picked up vital lessons from the friendly matches, which will be crucial as we head to Egypt.”
The AFCON U20 tournament is scheduled to be held in Egypt from April 27th to May 18th, 2025. Kenya finds itself in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. Their campaign will begin on May 1st against Sierra Leone, followed by a match against Zambia on May 4th, and concluding their group stage against Senegal on May 7th. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. Notably, the four semi-finalists will also secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Wanjala’s return provides a timely boost of experience and leadership to the Rising Stars as they embark on their quest for success in the AFCON U20 tournament. His competitive spirit and determination to earn his place in the team will undoubtedly positively impact the entire squad as they finalize their preparations in Morocco. Football fans across Kenya will be eagerly anticipating their performance on the continental stage.
