Former Harambee Stars defender slams Kenya U18 squad selection over Coast omission

Bandari FC Technical Director Ricky Solomon has expressed his disappointment with the selection for the team that represented Kenya in the recently concluded CECAFA U18 tourney that happened in Kakamega and Kisumu counties.

Kenya defied the odds to reach the final stage where they went down 2-1 to Uganda after a spirited fight.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, Solomon who is a former Harambee Stars defender, was concerned that the Coastal region did not produce a player.

The region is home to 2018 Kenya Premier League Super Cup winners Bandari FC who recently received an invitation to compete in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

Bandari FC to compete in Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar

While the opportunity showcased the massive talent in the Coastal region, Solomon questioned how it could fail to produce talent for the Kenya Junior Under 18 national team.

The former Bandari FC defender recalled that during his heydays in the Kenya U18 team, the region six players in the squad. He smiled as he described how they effortlessly won the CECAFA title for a record three times from 1980-1984.

He was the Vice Captain of the Kenya Youth Team as well as the captain of the Coast Youth Team. His senior position in the team earned him a chance to meet Pele' when he visited Mombasa in 1978, a memory he holds dear.

The trailblazing defender went on to have a glittering football career and was among the Harambee Stars team that made their debut appearance at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1972. He also served on the CECAFA technical organizing committee in 2014. His accolades read like a book but most recently, in 2021, he was among the heroes feted by the state during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

He is the current Kenya Football Coaches Association (KEFOCA) boss.

"It's very sad to see no youth player was selected from Coast. I played for Kenya under 18 back then and we were about six players from Mombasa. There is talent in this region," the former Bandari FC defender remarked.

Back to his role at Bandari, Solomon pointed out that he foresees a future where Bandari FC would make history as the second team in the Coast to win a Premier League title. The first title from the Coastal region was won by the Faisal Football Club in 1962.

Uganda down Kenya to win CECAFA U18 title

He noted that they were thoroughly sharpening their claws in readiness for their upcoming league match against Murang'a Seal. They will welcome the defensive Central team at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa on Saturday.

"Our main focus is the league. We are placed fifth in the league standing, and we expect a win on Saturday," Solomon concluded.