Junior Stars Amos Wanjala reflects on CECAFA loss

By Robert Mutasi 

Junior Stars captain Amos Wanjala, currently playing his football club in Spain with AC Torrellano, has spoken about how the near-miss the team suffered in the last CECAFA U-18 tournament has shaped the resolve to qualify for AFCON.

Wanjala has stressed lessons learned from the defeat and a longing to do better this time as he spoke on their preparation and outlook ahead of the tournament.

Wanjala said, "When we played in the U-18 final, we came so close, but we didn't win. It wasn't a loss, though-we considered it a lesson. That experience is what is pushing us to go all the way this time. We know what is coming, we are prepared, and we are ready to give our best."

Wanjala's statement comes amidst his team's preparation for yet another shot at glory at the regional and continental levels.

The CECAFA tournament was a sore memory, Wanjala and his team will attest to, but one that has surely steeled them in motivational resolve toward securing better success. From the captain who now boasts more experience and time to prepare the team for action, the team stands a better chance of withstanding the pressure and challenges lying ahead as they seek AFCON qualification.

"Every team in our group is coming to compete, and nothing will come easy. But we've been preparing and believe we have everything it takes to qualify-quality players, a good technical bench and support from the government and the federation," Wanjala added.

This CECAFA U-18 final serves as a grim reminder of how close they came to success but also a pivotal moment that has only strengthened the resolve of the team.

Wanjala spoke about how the loss is a defining moment for the squad, motivating them for more and probably the title at AFCON.

"The CECAFA U-18 final still burns in our heart, but it's also made us stronger. We are more prepared now and we know what it takes to win. We learned from that loss, and we will stop at nothing to reach the final and probably win the trophy this time," Wanjala said.

The experience Wanjala had captained will be brought to the fore as the team prepares for AFCON, crucial for their possible expression on the continental stage