Nine teams will face off in the Deaf Football Federation of Kenya (DFFK) national trials ahead of the Deaf Africa Football Cup of Nations (DAFCON), which will be held in Ethiopia later this year.
According to DFFK president Stephen Waweru, the national trials will take place on August 21 and 22 at the University of Nairobi grounds in Nairobi.
The nine teams have been divided into two pools. Pool A comprises Flamingo, Sportiff, Global, Wajir and Silent Eagle, while Pool B features Golden, Black Panther, Sukari and Eastleigh.
Waweru said the competition is expected to be highly competitive, with teams featuring talented and determined players eager to earn a place in the national team.
“The level of competition is expected to be very high because these teams have talented and determined players who are ready to fight for an opportunity to represent our country,” Waweru said.
However, he noted that the teams are facing significant financial challenges, with many players and officials relying on their own resources to participate in the trials.
Despite the financial difficulties, Waweru said the teams remain committed to the competition, whose main objective is to identify and select the most promising players to form the Kenya Deaf National Team for the DAFCON tournament in Ethiopia.
He appealed to corporates, companies, well-wishers, partners and other stakeholders to support the national team, particularly with preparations for an early training camp planned for November.
The federation is seeking assistance with transport, accommodation, training equipment, meals, medical support and other essential requirements for the continental championship.
DFFK is also appealing for support towards a USD 1,000 deposit required for Kenya’s participation in the 2027 World Deaf Football Championship in Australia. The deposit must be paid by November 30, 2026.
Waweru said supporting the commitment would help Kenya secure its place at the global championship while contributing to the continued development of the country’s national deaf football programme.
He further urged players, coaches, officials and participating teams to view their sacrifices as an investment in the future of deaf football in Kenya.
“We appreciate your commitment and determination. Together, we can build a stronger national team, represent Kenya with pride in Africa, and continue preparing our players for the global stage,” he said.
DFFK called on Kenyans and potential partners to support the players and the national team as they pursue opportunities to represent the country at both the African and world championships.