THE Serengeti Boys, Tanzania’s U17 national football team, are in the final stages of preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA U17 qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Uganda from December 14 to 28, 2024.

This critical tournament offers young players a platform to showcase their skills while vying for a spot in the AFCON U17 competition set for 2025.

The team, under the leadership of head coach Aggrey Morris and assistant coach Boniface Pawasa, is training intensively to ensure they are fully equipped for the challenge ahead. 

Speaking on the team’s progress, Morris expressed satisfaction with the players’ efforts and their understanding of the tournament’s significance.

“We are working hard to ensure that we have a strong team for the AFCON qualifiers. The players are showing great determination and a strong desire to win. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the AFCON U17 finals, and we are committed to doing everything necessary to achieve that,” Morris emphasized.

The AFCON U17 qualifiers represent more than just a football competition for Tanzania. They are a stepping stone for developing young talent, providing a vital foundation for the country’s footballing future. 

The Serengeti Boys’ commitment and hard work are aligned with the Tanzania Football Federation’s (TFF) broader goals of nurturing youth football and establishing Tanzania as a competitive force in African football.

To further motivate the players, TFF president Wallace Karia recently visited the team’s training camp. 

During his visit, Karia commended the players for their discipline and dedication, urging them to stay focused on their preparations. His words of encouragement were meant to inspire the team to approach the tournament with confidence and determination.

The AFCON CECAFA U17 qualifiers are set to feature nine teams, as confirmed by Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Director of Competitions. 

These nations include Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. 

Each team will battle for one of the top two spots in the final, which guarantees qualification for the AFCON U17 finals in 2025.

The tournament will be hosted in three Ugandan cities: Bukedea, Mbale, and Kampala. These venues were selected for their footballing infrastructure and readiness to host matches of this caliber. 

Additionally, stringent measures have been put in place to ensure fair play and compliance with the competition’s age eligibility rules. All participating players will undergo mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests before taking the field. This step is crucial for verifying players’ ages and maintaining the integrity of the tournament.

For the Serengeti Boys, the qualifiers are an opportunity to demonstrate their talent and resilience on an international stage. 

Success in Uganda would not only be a testament to their hard work but also a reflection of Tanzania’s growing potential in youth football. 

The team’s technical bench has been working tirelessly to refine tactics, enhance fitness levels, and instill a winning mentality in the players.

Beyond the footballing aspect, the tournament serves as a platform for young players to gain valuable exposure and experience. 

It also provides an opportunity for scouts, clubs, and stakeholders in African football to identify promising talents. For many of the Serengeti Boys, this could be a stepping stone toward professional careers and national team inclusion in the future.

With just days to go before the competition kicks off, the Serengeti Boys are fully focused on their mission. Their participation not only represents Tanzania but also symbolizes the potential of youth football in the country. 

The road to the AFCON U17 finals may be challenging, but the Serengeti Boys are determined to overcome every hurdle. 

Their journey is a testament to the power of preparation, teamwork, and the desire to succeed on the continental stage.