Okumbi talks up Junior Stars chances at Cecafa U20
What you need to know:
- Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye is optimistic the tournament will be successful.
- Head coach Stanley Okumbi is optimistic his young lads will do well.
The Cecafa Under 20 tournament kicks off on Saturday in Gulu with two matches lined up. Sudan will take on Djibouti in the first match from 2pm before hosts Uganda battle Eritrea in the next match from 4pm.
Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and Somalia will take part in the inaugural tournament while Rwanda pulled out due to financial challenges.
Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye is optimistic the tournament will be successful.
“I am very impressed with the facilities. The hotels, training grounds and the stadia are all in perfect condition and I congratulate Uganda for agreeing to host this tournament and for ensuring everything is in order. We hope to have a good tournament and unearth the future stars in East African football,” Musonye said.
Kenya kick off their campaign against Zanzibar at the Njeru Centre in Jinja on Sunday. Head coach Stanley Okumbi is optimistic his young lads will do well.
“We have a good squad and have trained well for the tournament. It is a good opportunity for the players to show what they are capable of and I know they will grab the chance,” the former Harambee Stars coach said.
GROUPS
Group A: Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti
Group B: Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar and Tanzania
Group C: Burundi, South Sudan and Somalia
FIXTURES
Saturday
Group A: Sudan v Djibouti - 2pm – Pece Stadium
Group A: Uganda v Eritrea – 4pm – Pece Stadium
Sunday
Group B: Kenya v Zanzibar - 2pm – Njeru Center
Group B: Ethiopia v Tanzania – 4pm – Njeru Center
Monday
Group C: Burundi v South Sudan – 2pm – Njeru Center
Group A: Eritrea v Sudan – 2pm – Pece Stadium
Group A: Djibouti v Uganda – 4pm – Njeru Center