Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee has proposed a bold restructuring of the national football team, advocating for the integration of Kenya’s U20 players into the senior Harambee Stars squad. This call comes in the wake of Kenya’s disappointing elimination from the AFCON 2025 qualifiers following a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, dashing hopes of competing in the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco.
In a candid interview with TV47, Mulee emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than persisting with the current senior squad. “AFCON 2025 is gone, and the chances of qualifying for the World Cup are slim. So, what do we do as we prepare to host AFCON 2027? The answer is simple—integrate the U20 players who have already qualified for the U20 AFCON 2025,” he asserted.
A Vision for 2027 AFCON
Kenya is set to co-host the AFCON 2027 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, a monumental opportunity for the nation. According to Mulee, success in the 2027 tournament requires a long-term approach, beginning with nurturing young talent. “We need to refresh the team with these young players. It’s better to miss out on the World Cup qualifiers with a future-focused squad than to continue with the current setup,” he said.
Mulee, who famously led Kenya to its first AFCON appearance in 12 years back in 2004, believes that relying on the current squad could hinder progress. Instead, he suggests creating a structured development pathway for young players, ensuring they gain experience and cohesion before the continental showpiece.
Football Education: The Missing Piece Insists Coach Mulee
The former coach didn’t mince words about the state of football in Kenya, criticizing the lack of technical development among players. “The issue with Kenyan football is not physical or endurance-related—it’s technical. Without proper football education, players lack the knowledge needed to compete at the highest level,” Mulee lamented.
He singled out Victor Wanyama as one of the few Kenyan players with a solid understanding of the game, attributing this to his exposure to high-level football in Europe. “We need to start educating players from as early as five years old. Without this foundation, our football will continue to struggle,” he warned.
Mulee also highlighted the importance of development systems that provide consistent coaching and competitive opportunities for young players. “Some of our players are talented, but they’ve been let down by a lack of proper development. This has stifled their potential and, ultimately, our football as a whole,” he added.
Kenya U20: A Promising Generation
The Kenya U20 team recently made headlines by qualifying for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. The team, led by promising talents like Kevin Wangaya, Hassan Beja and Aldrine Kibet, showcased resilience and skill during the CECAFA qualifiers. Their qualification is seen as a beacon of hope for Kenyan football, which has been plagued by inconsistency at the senior level.
Mulee believes that fast-tracking these young players into the senior team will not only prepare them for the future but also bring a fresh dynamic to the squad. “These boys have already proven themselves on the continental stage. Now is the time to build on that momentum and groom them for the senior team,” he said.
A Call for Change from football enthusiasts
Mulee’s call for reform echoes sentiments shared by many football enthusiasts in the country. Current Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat recently warned of a grim future for Kenyan football if systemic issues are not addressed. “Without a clear development plan, things will only get worse,” Firat noted after Kenya’s elimination from the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Mulee’s vision goes beyond just integrating U20 players; it involves overhauling the entire approach to football in Kenya. From grassroots coaching to elite player development, he advocates for a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes the long-term success of the sport.
The Road Ahead For Kenya as Afcon 2027 Hosts
As Kenya prepares to co-host AFCON 2027, the pressure to deliver a competitive team is immense. Mulee’s recommendations present a roadmap for rebuilding the Harambee Stars, albeit a challenging one. Integrating young players into the senior squad requires time, patience, and resources, but the potential rewards could redefine Kenyan football on the global stage.
“The future of Harambee Stars lies in the hands of these young players. We must give them the chance to grow, learn, and compete. Only then can we hope to achieve lasting success,” Mulee concluded.
With the U20 AFCON just months away and the AFCON 2027 spotlight on the horizon, the decisions made now will shape the destiny of Kenyan football for years to come. Whether Mulee’s advice will be heeded remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the time for change is now.