Wydad Casablanca among African giants to grace WSH Elite Cup third edition in Nairobi

African giants Wydad Casablanca will be among the participating teams as Nairobi gears to host the third edition of the WSH Elite Inter African Cup from December 9 to 15, 2026, bringing together youth football academies and school teams from across Africa and beyond.

The tournament, which is designed for players in the Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age categories, was first held in Tunisia in 2024 before moving to South Africa last year. Kenya will now become the third country to stage the competition.

Teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia, Somalia, Rwanda, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa have already confirmed their participation. A club from Italy has also committed to the tournament, while other European teams are expected to join.

The event is expected to serve as a curtain-raiser for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament that will be staged in East Africa next year.

Major African clubs to feature

Among the confirmed participants are youth development sides linked to some of Africa’s established clubs, including Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel, who reached the semi-finals of the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup, and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca, three-time CAF Champions League winners.

The regional contingent will include AFC Leopards Cubs, the youth side of Kenyan Premier League club AFC Leopards, as well as Young Simba from Tanzanian giants Sports Club Simba.

Other confirmed participants include Mentor Sports International Academy of Uganda, Zimbabwe’s Direct Control, and South African sides Bulls Academy, Olympic Academy and BWS Academy.

Kenya will be represented by national secondary schools football champions Kakamega High School, popularly known as Green Commandos, alongside Ligi Ndogo, winners of the 2005 Private Secondary Schools’ League.

The defending champions will also return to Nairobi seeking to retain their titles. South Africa’s BWS Academy will defend its Under-13 championship, while compatriots Flair Feet Stars FC, referred to as “Fleet Fair”, will attempt to retain the Under-15 crown.

Nairobi venues lined up

Matches are scheduled to be played at several venues across Nairobi, including Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, KCB Leadership Centre, Gems Cambridge International School, St Christopher’s International School Nairobi, Marist International University College, Banda School, Don Bosco grounds and Kilimani Primary School.

The tournament will also feature international officiating, with Referee Abroad and NFV Kreis Harburg expected to send between eight and nine qualified referees from Germany, including officials with international experience.

Tournament’s purpose

The WSH Africa Youth and Junior Cup is intended to provide African youngsters with an international platform comparable to youth competitions staged in other parts of the world.

Speaking during the tournament’s launch at a Nairobi hotel, event director Evans Chief said the competition was designed to complement the work being undertaken by the continent’s football governing body.

“It is intended to compliment the good work of the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” said Chief.

The competition is open not only to football academies but also to junior national teams and school sides, widening the pool of young players who can participate.

Chief added that teams will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis across the six age-group categories, meaning interested teams will need to secure their places early.

With participation already confirmed from several African countries and a European club, the Nairobi edition is expected to provide young players with valuable international exposure while strengthening links between academies, schools and youth football programmes across the continent.