The Kenya U17 Girls’ National Team, the Junior Starlets, has officially departed for Spain this morning to begin their pre-World Cup training camp in preparation for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The team, which is making its historic debut at the tournament, is set to train and play friendly matches in Spain before heading to the Dominican Republic, where the global competition will take place.
Kenya, alongside Nigeria and Zambia, will represent Africa in the tournament. The 8th edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will feature 16 teams battling for the prestigious trophy, including defending champions Spain. The tournament will run from October 16 to November 3, 2024, marking an exciting time for Kenyan football as the Junior Starlets prepare to make their mark on the global stage.
Before their departure, the team was honored with a special ceremony at State House, Nairobi, where President William Ruto addressed the players and presented the national flag to team captain Elizabeth Ochaka. The gesture symbolized the nation’s pride and support as the team embarks on their World Cup journey. The President praised the Junior Starlets for their hard work and achievements, encouraging them to continue making Kenya proud as they represent the country on the world stage.
Head coach Mildred Cheche, who named the final squad of 23 players, emphasized that the team’s pre-World Cup camp in Spain would be crucial in ensuring the players are in peak condition for the tournament. The Junior Starlets will participate in at least two friendly matches against fellow World Cup competitors during their time in Spain, which will help them sharpen their skills and acclimatize before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
The road to the World Cup was not without its challenges, with several key players missing out on the final squad due to various reasons. Claire Meris, Sheryl Amuok, and Mitshelle Waithera, who played a significant role in the team’s qualification, were left out. Amuok, unfortunately, sustained a knee injury while representing Nyakach Girls during the East Africa School Games in Uganda, ruling her out of the World Cup.
Coach Cheche highlighted the need for balance in fitness, form, and tactical readiness when finalizing the squad. Despite the absence of key players, she expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level.
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Among the selected players are several KCSE candidates, including midfielder Marion Serenge, who plays for Arch Bishop Njenga Girls and whose brother, Kevin Amwai, represents Kakamega Homeboyz in the Kenyan Premier League. Serenge, along with other candidates, will sit for special exams upon returning from the tournament, following an agreement with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The Junior Starlets are set to face a challenging Group C in the World Cup, where they will take on England in their opening match on October 18, followed by Korea DPR on October 20, and Mexico on October 24. The team is determined to make an impact and showcase the talent and resilience of Kenyan football at the global level.
FKF CEO Barry Otieno confirmed that the early arrival in the Dominican Republic, scheduled for October 1, will help the players adjust to the six-hour time difference and adapt to the local environment. The federation has taken every measure to ensure the Junior Starlets are well-prepared for their debut on the world stage.
Kenya made history by qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Burundi, becoming the first Kenyan football team to ever reach a World Cup tournament. The team’s participation has inspired a wave of excitement and hope for the future of women’s football in the country.
As they embark on this remarkable journey, the Junior Starlets carry the dreams and aspirations of Kenya with them. Their success thus far has already cemented their place in history, and now, they aim to continue their inspiring run at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The entire nation will be watching as these talented young players step onto the world stage, ready to compete and make Kenya proud.
