The 2024 CECAFA Under 20 Championship in Tanzania promises to be keenly contested as nine countries battle for supremacy at youth level. The competition, due from October 6-20, also serves as the East Africa qualifiers for the 2025 U20 AFCON which will take place in a yet to be determined country. The tournament will bring together some of the best youth talents from the CECAFA zone. Many of them have tasted top flight football at club level while others were selected based on their performance at inter-school competitions. Times Sport brings to you five players which people should look out for in the regional showpiece. Joseph Laurent Petry (Rwanda) Born to a Rwandan mother Olive Mukeshimana and a Swedish father in Goteborg, Joseph Laurent Petry plays for Land Vetter IS in the Swedish lower tier. The 18-year-old attacker is a budding forward who is very clinical in front of the post. He showed his predatory instincts in the friendly games that Rwanda U20 played against Bugesera FC. If he gets the needed services from his teammates in Tanzania, Petry could be one of the standout performers of the tournament. Peter Santos Aparer Chut (South Sudan) South Sudan were the surprised package in the last edition of the regional competition in 2022 when they reached the final before losing to 2-1 at the hands of Uganda. This year, they are bringing another formidable team with Peter Santos Aparer Chut as their key man upfront. Born on February 5, 2006, Aparer grew up in Uganda and he is a Secondary School student at Royal Giant High School. The lanky forward can also operate as a winger and his greatest attributes are his pace, skills, aerial ability, goal scoring as well as passing. He is ambidextrous (plays with both feet) which makes him a threat anywhere upfront. Abas Kyeyune (Uganda) The 19-year-old winger was one of the exciting players for Villa SC when they won the Ugandan Premier League in the 2023/24 season. Egyptian Premier League side Cleopatra Ceramica paid $13,000 to sign the teenager on a four-year deal on July 1, 2024. He is known for his goal scoring prowess and is very comfortable also playing as a striker or an attacking midfielder. If Uganda are to retain the trophy they won two years ago, much will depend on Abas Kyeyune. Kevin Wangaya Injehu (Kenya) Wangaya is among the few Kenyan youngsters plying their trade in Europe. The 18-year-old midfielder with FK Apolonia in Albania. He was signed by FK Apolonia from local side Karibangi Sharks on January 31, 2024. The teenager started for the club's U19 side and was promoted to the senior team on July 1. Wangaya has been hailed as a promising talent and this CECAFA competition can further build his credentials. Paul Jesus Sindi (Rwanda) Paul Jesus Sindi is among the exciting teenagers in the Rwanda Premier League. The 19-year-old forward was signed by Rayon Sports in the June 2024 transfer window and has already tasted topflight football. He featured for Tsinda Batsinde FC in the 2023/24 Rwanda Division 2 league where he netted 9 goals and provided 7 assists. He had the chance to have trials with Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Westerlo before moving to Rayon Sports. He can operate on both flanks and his experience will be beneficial for the Rwanda U20 and he will be one of the focal points of the competition.
