Kenya Deaf U23 Team Rising Against the Odds: A Journey of Passion, Progress, and Purpose Ahead of Zlatibor 2026

As Kenya prepares to take on the world in the upcoming U23 Deaf Football competitions in Zlatibor, Serbia on May 11th, a determined group of young athletes is quietly writing a powerful story of resilience, talent, and hope.

 
 

A Team Built on Dedication, Not Comfort

Behind the scenes, the Kenya Deaf U23 team has been pushing forward with limited resources but unwavering commitment. With no full-time residential training camp in place, the team has been meeting over weekends—sacrificing time, energy, and personal comfort—to stay on track.

Each weekend camp has been entirely self-driven, covering basic logistics such as meals and transport. Despite these constraints, the players continue to show up, train hard, and build chemistry as a unit.

Appreciation to the Ministry of Sports

We sincerely thank the Ministry of Sports for stepping in to support the team’s international participation. Their commitment to cover air travel and participation costs in Serbia is a significant boost and ensures that Kenya will be proudly represented on the global stage.

Speaking on this support, Mr. Waweru, President of the Deaf Football Federation of Kenya (DFFK), expressed his gratitude:

We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Sports for believing in our team and making it possible for us to compete internationally. This support is a big step for Deaf football in Kenya and gives our players the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global platform.

However, he also highlighted the pressing challenge facing the team locally:

While we have support for travel and participation, we currently lack resources for a proper residential training camp here at home. This preparation is critical, and we are appealing to corporates and well-wishers to come on board and support us in April.

However, for local residential training in April, the team currently has no resources. This is where urgent support is needed.

The Urgent Need: A 15-Day Residential Camp

With the competition fast approaching, the team is now seeking support to facilitate a 15-day residential training camp ahead of departure. This camp is crucial for:

  • Final tactical preparation
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Team cohesion and mental readiness
  • Proper nutrition and recovery

A structured camp environment would significantly enhance performance and ensure the team represents Kenya at its best on the international stage.

 

Countries Participating in the Tournament

The Kenya Deaf U23 team will face strong international competition from the following countries:

  • Serbia (Host)
  • Germany
  • Poland
  • Japan
  • Liberia
  • Turkey
  • Kenya
  • Ukraine
  • Great Britain

This global stage presents not only a challenge but also an opportunity for Kenya to shine.

 
 

Rising Talent and Promise

One of the most inspiring aspects of this journey is the immense potential within the squad. These young athletes are not just participants—they are competitors with real promise.

According to Coach Hassan, the team has shown remarkable growth in a short period:

The boys have improved tremendously. You can see it in training and even in our friendly matches, where we have managed to secure wins. Their confidence, teamwork, and understanding of the game has really grown.

Despite limited resources, the progress has been evident:

  • Strong physical conditioning
  • Rapid improvement in teamwork and communication
  • High levels of discipline and commitment
  • A shared dream of putting Kenya on the global map

However, the coach emphasized that more can be achieved with the right support:

We have the talent and the determination, but to compete at the highest level, we need proper preparation. With support for a residential camp, we can take this team to another level.

A Call to Support and Be Part of the Journey

As the countdown to May 5th continues, the Kenya Deaf U23 team calls upon:

  • Corporate sponsors
  • Well-wishers and donors
  • Sports enthusiasts
  • County government and institutions

Your support can make the difference between just participating and truly competing.

Whether through funding, partnerships, or awareness, every contribution counts.

our support will directly impact:

  • Training quality
  • Player welfare
  • Overall team performance in Serbia

This is a chance to be part of a historic journey.