Junior Starlets Arrive in the Dominican Republic for U-17 Women’s World Cup with Momentum
The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s national U-17 women’s football team, have safely arrived in the Dominican Republic, brimming with confidence after weeks of intensive training in Spain. With a string of impressive performances in high-level friendlies, the team is now fully focused on their historic campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
They will be competing in Group C alongside football powerhouses England, Mexico, and North Korea. Their first match kicks off on October 18, against England, marking a significant moment for Kenyan women’s football on the global stage.
Strong Preparation in Spain Sets Positive Tone
The Starlets’ journey to the U-17 Women’s World Cup has been filled with rigorous preparation. The team spent several weeks in Spain, where they took part in high-caliber friendly matches against strong European clubs. These matches were designed to prepare the Starlets for the competition, exposing them to different styles of play and helping them build chemistry and resilience.
One of the standout results from the training camp was a commanding 4-1 victory over Valencia CF Women on September 25, 2024, at Ciudad Deportiva del València CF grounds. This match set the tone for the rest of the camp, as the Starlets displayed a level of play that showcased both their tactical discipline and offensive firepower.
| We have arrived at Santo Domingo #GoJuniorStarlets #JuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/erkeJm6RpJ
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 2, 2024
Their next friendly match, played against Portugal on September 27, 2024, resulted in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Portugal, a tough opponent with a strong youth program, pushed the Starlets to their limits. However, the team’s ability to hold their own against such a formidable opponent served as a major confidence boost.
Finally, they closed out their camp with another impressive 4-1 win over CF Intercity Femenino on September 30, 2024. This result underscored the team’s growing momentum as they prepared to head into the World Cup. The consistent performances throughout the camp left both the coaching staff and players confident in their readiness for the tournament.
Valerie Nekesa: A Rising Star for the Starlets
One player who has captured the attention of fans and coaches alike during the training camp is Valerie Nekesa, the Starlets’ prolific striker. Nekesa has been in exceptional form, netting goals in two of the team’s friendlies and assisting the crucial equalizer against Portugal.
Her sharp instincts, technical skill, and ability to find the back of the net have made her one of the key players to watch as the Junior Starlets embark on their World Cup journey. With two goals against Valencia and CF Intercity, as well as her pivotal assist in the Portugal draw, Nekesa’s contribution has been vital to the team’s attacking success.
Head coach Mildred Cheche expressed her excitement about Nekesa’s form, stating, “Valerie has been outstanding throughout the camp. Her energy, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have been a big part of our success. We’re confident she can carry this form into the World Cup.”
Nekesa’s performances, along with her leadership on the field, will be crucial as the Starlets face their challenging Group C opponents. Her ability to link up with teammates and convert chances will be key to Kenya’s chances of advancing in the tournament.
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Facing the Challenges in Group C: England, Mexico, and North Korea
The Junior Starlets have a formidable challenge ahead as they enter Group C of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. Their group includes traditional football powerhouses England, Mexico, and North Korea, all of whom have significant pedigree in youth football.
England, known for its strong youth development system, will present a tough opening match for the Starlets on October 18. The English team has a history of producing technically skilled and physically imposing players, making them one of the favorites in the group.
Mexico has also developed a reputation for producing competitive youth teams on the international stage. Their tactical discipline and technical ability make them a challenging opponent for any team, including the Starlets.
North Korea, meanwhile, has a strong tradition in women’s football, particularly at the youth level. The North Korean team is known for its organization, stamina, and attacking flair, all of which will test their defense and resilience.
Despite the tough opposition, the Starlets are not backing down. The preparation in Spain has instilled a sense of belief within the squad, and they are eager to compete against the best. The team’s chemistry, bolstered by their results in friendly matches, will be a key factor as they face these football giants.
Culture Shock Not an Issue: Former Coach’s Confidence in the Starlets
Former Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has expressed confidence that the Junior Starlets are well-prepared to handle the challenges of competing on the global stage. Ouma, who has closely followed the team’s journey, highlighted that the training camp in Spain has not only helped the players in terms of tactics and fitness but also exposed them to different environments, mitigating the potential for culture shock in the Dominican Republic.
“The girls have spent weeks training in Europe, facing strong competition and adjusting to different climates. I believe they’ll handle the transition to the Dominican Republic well. They’ve been prepared to take on this challenge,” Ouma said.
The combination of high-level preparation, a focused coaching staff, and key players like Valerie Nekesa in form gives them reason to be optimistic as they look forward to their World Cup campaign.
Looking Ahead: A Historic Moment for Kenyan Women’s Football
As the Junior Starlets prepare for their opening match against England on October 18, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. This World Cup campaign marks a historic moment for Kenyan women’s football, as the Starlets seek to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
With a strong foundation laid during their training camp in Spain, the team is ready to rise to the occasion. While the challenges in Group C are significant, the Starlets have the talent, momentum, and determination needed to compete at the highest level.
As Kenya rallies behind their young team, all eyes will be on the Dominican Republic, where the Junior Starlets hope to inspire future generations and showcase the growth of women’s football in Kenya.
