16 talented players set to represent East Africa, Zimbabwe in Spain

ARUSHA: A TEAM of 16 exceptionally talented young footballers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe have been selected to participate in the prestigious Donosti Cup, an international youth football tournament to be held in San Sebastián, Spain.

The players were picked following their outstanding performances at the Chipkizi Cup, East Africa’s premier youth soccer showcase organised by the Future Stars Academy (FSA) in Arusha last December.

Out of 27 standout players, these 16 earned their place on the international stage after rigorous evaluation.

“We’ll be competing in the Under-16 category where over 900 teams from 30 countries are expected to participate in this year’s Donosti Cup, making it one of the largest youth football events in the world,” confirmed Peter Tito, Head Coach at Future Stars Academy and Chipkizi Cup Coordinator.

Held annually in Spain, the Donosti Cup is a magnet for scouts and clubs from Europe’s top leagues.

Coach Tito emphasised that exposure to such high-level competition will help raise the bar for youth football in East Africa.

“Spain is the global benchmark for youth football development. Competing there will inspire our players, sharpen their skills and elevate the overall standard of the game back home,” he said.

In preparation for the tournament which will kick off from July 3rd to 17th, 2025, the selected players are undergoing intensive training at a dedicated trial camp hosted at Kennedy House International School in Usa-River, Meru District, a serene setting ideal for focused development.

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The news has sparked pride and excitement across the region. Semambo Benard, a coach from Uganda’s Talent City Sports Academy, expressed deep appreciation for the platform that allowed two of his players to make the cut.

“I’m truly grateful to the Chipkizi Cup and the Tanzanian organisers for creating an avenue where youth talent is discovered, nurtured and offered international exposure,” he said.

Among the selected players is Amon Osoon, a student at Mbooni High School in Nairobi, Kenya. Beaming with joy, Amon credited the Chipkizi Cup for opening new doors.

“This tournament gave us the opportunity to showcase our abilities. It’s a big step toward achieving my dream of becoming a professional footballer,” said Amon.

From Zimbabwe, Frank Jori, a Form Three student at Pamushana High School in Harare, also made the list. Full of ambition, he shared his aspirations: “It’s always been my dream to play in top leagues like LaLiga and the Bundesliga and for clubs like Manchester City. This is my chance to start that journey.”

As the countdown to Spain begins, the excitement is palpable.

The participation of these young athletes not only highlights the growing football talent in East Africa but also underlines the importance of regional platforms like the Chipkizi Cup in bridging grassroots development with global opportunities.