Kenya’s Junior Starlets are gearing up for a historic debut in the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, and the team’s captain, Elizabeth Ochaka, has set an ambitious goal for the squad: to make a deep run and reach the semifinals.
The tournament, which will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, presents a massive challenge for the Kenyan team, but the players are embracing the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage.
Currently, the Junior Starlets are in a two-week training camp in Marbella City, Spain, where they are preparing for their group stage matches.
The team faces a tough draw, taking on football powerhouses England, Korea DPR, and Mexico in Group C.
These are highly experienced teams with a strong track record in international tournaments, but Ochaka remains confident in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We are very proud to be the first Kenyan side to qualify for a World Cup at any level, and that alone is a huge achievement,” said Ochaka. “But we’re not just here to participate. We don’t fear any side because we know we are just as good, and we’re ready to chase history and show the world what we can do.”
The 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup marks a milestone for Kenya, with the Junior Starlets making their debut appearance on the world stage.
While Kenya has a long history of success in athletics, particularly in distance running, qualifying for a football World Cup is uncharted territory. However, the team is not letting the daunting nature of the challenge deter them. In fact, they see it as an opportunity to make history.
Ochaka, a 16-year-old defender who has played a key role in the team’s qualification campaign, is leading from the front.
ALSO READ:
- Junior Starlets Embark on Exciting Pre-World Cup Camp in Spain
- President Ruto Calls for Inclusion of Omitted Players in Junior Starlets’ U17 World Cup Delegation
The Junior Starlets’ defense did not concede a single goal in their qualifying matches, and Ochaka even found the back of the net herself. Her leadership and composure on the field have earned her praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“The cold weather in Spain has been a bit of an adjustment for us, but the facilities here are world-class, and we’re loving every moment of it,” said Ochaka. “The team is in high spirits, and everyone is focused on the task ahead. We know that if we stick to the coach’s game plan and play with discipline, we can achieve great things.”
Head coach Mildred Cheche has been instrumental in the Junior Starlets’ journey to the World Cup. She oversaw an intense three-week training camp in Kenya before leading the team to Spain, where they are fine-tuning their tactics ahead of the tournament.
Cheche, who is known for her tactical acumen and ability to motivate young players, believes the team has what it takes to go far in the competition.
“We’ve worked hard to improve in areas where we had gaps during the qualifiers,” said Cheche. “Playing at this level is a completely different experience from what we’ve encountered before, but that’s a challenge we’re ready to embrace. We’re debutants, and we understand that we’ll be seen as underdogs. But I like that. It means the pressure is off, and we can focus on playing our best football.”
Cheche has had to make some difficult decisions along the way, including dropping 12 players from the squad due to injuries. Among those cut were key players like Claire Meris, Sheryl Amuok, and Mitshelle Waithera. However, Cheche remains confident that the team selected for the tournament is up to the task.
“Our focus has always been on building a cohesive unit that can perform under pressure,” Cheche explained. “The girls have worked incredibly hard, and their determination has been inspiring. We’re ready to face some of the best teams in the world, and we believe we can surprise a few people.”
The Junior Starlets’ World Cup journey kicks off on October 18 with a challenging opener against England. The English team is one of the top contenders in the tournament, and they have a wealth of experience on the global stage.
Two days later, on October 20, the Starlets will face Korea DPR, another formidable opponent with a rich history in youth football. Kenya will conclude their group stage matches on October 24 against Mexico, a team known for its skill and technical ability.
The task ahead is undoubtedly difficult, but the Junior Starlets are embracing the challenge with optimism and determination. Despite being debutants, the team has shown resilience throughout their journey to the World Cup, and they are eager to test themselves against the best.
