Kenya’s Junior Starlets are set to make history as they prepare for their first-ever appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Head coach Mildred Cheche has announced a provisional squad of 35 players who will represent the country in the prestigious tournament, scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Kenyan football, as the Junior Starlets step onto the global stage to compete against some of the world’s top youth teams.
The Road to the World Cup: A Historic Qualification
The journey to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup has been a remarkable one for the Junior Starlets. Kenya secured their place in the tournament after an impressive 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the final round of the African qualifiers. This victory not only earned them a spot in the World Cup but also marked the first time a Kenyan football team has qualified for the highest football tournament in the world at the youth level.
Before facing Burundi, the Junior Starlets had eliminated Ethiopia in the third round of the qualifiers, winning 3-0 on aggregate. The decisive goals came in the return leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, following a goalless draw in the first leg in Addis Ababa. These victories underscored the team’s determination and skill, setting the stage for their historic World Cup appearance.
Tough Group Stage Awaits: England, Korea DPR, and Mexico
The Junior Starlets have been drawn into Pool C for the group stage of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, where they will face formidable opponents. Their World Cup campaign kicks off on October 18 against England, the 2016 losing finalists. Two days later, they will take on Korea DPR, a two-time champion and one of the tournament’s heavyweights. The group stage will conclude on October 24 with a match against Mexico, another strong contender.
These matches will undoubtedly test the Junior Starlets’ mettle, as they face teams with significant World Cup experience. However, the Kenyan squad is determined to make their mark on the tournament, leveraging their preparation and the talent within the team to compete at the highest level.
Provisional Squad: A Blend of Talent and Potential
Head coach Mildred Cheche has carefully selected a provisional squad of 35 players, combining experienced young talents with promising newcomers. The squad features players from various schools and clubs across Kenya, reflecting the depth of talent in the country’s women’s football.
Goalkeepers:
- Velma Auma (Wiyeta Secondary School)
- Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls)
- Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary School)
- Elizabeth Munyanya (Kilimo Girls High School)
Defenders:
- Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Claire Meris (Kobala Secondary School)
- Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Secondary School)
- Valerie Wanjiru Oyugi (Ligi Ndogo)
- Jenevieve Mithel (Nyakach Secondary School)
- Christine Adhiambo (Nyakach Secondary School)
- Elizabeth Anyango (Beijing Raiders)
- Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls)
- Sheryl Amuok (Nyakach Girls)
- Diana Anyango (Butere Girls)
Midfielders:
- Velma Awuor (Nyakach Girls Secondary)
- Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls)
- Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls Secondary)
- Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed)
- Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies)
- Lindi Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior High School)
- Nancy Anyango (Nyakach Girls)
- Pearl Olesi (St. Joseph’s Kitale)
Forwards:
- Abiagel Nelima (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale)
- Lorna Faith (Butere Girls)
- Lilian Mueni (St. Bridgit Syomunyu Girls)
- Salma Baya (Kombani Secondary School)
- Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls)
- Joan Ogola (St. Maurice Mwira Junior High)
- Mitshelle Waithera (Acakoro Ladies)
- Marion Serenge (Archbishop Njenga Secondary)
- Quinter Adhiambo (St. Alfred Alara Mixed)
- Jane Kweyu (St. Martha’s Mwitoti Secondary School)
- Patience Asiko (Butere Girls High School)
- Ruth Nanjala (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale)
- Lucy Naliaka (Kinale Girls High School)
Intensive Preparations: Camp and Training Schedule
The Junior Starlets will report to camp on August 24, where they will undergo a 17-day training session. This initial phase of preparation will focus on building team cohesion, refining strategies, and ensuring that the players are in peak physical condition. The camp will be crucial in helping the squad gel and adapt to the tactical plans laid out by Coach Cheche and her technical team.
Following the initial training camp in Kenya, the team will travel to Spain on September 10 for an extended training period. This overseas preparation will expose the players to high-level competition and provide them with valuable experience ahead of the World Cup. The extended camp in Spain will also allow the coaching staff to fine-tune the squad’s tactics and make any necessary adjustments before the team departs for the Dominican Republic on October 4.
Overcoming Challenges: Balancing Academics and Football
One of the significant challenges facing the Junior Starlets is balancing their academic commitments with their footballing ambitions. The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup coincides with the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, leading to concerns that some players might miss the tournament. However, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has stepped in to ensure that special arrangements are made for the affected players. These arrangements will allow the players to sit for their exams while still representing the country on the global stage.
This support from KNEC is vital, as it ensures that the players do not have to choose between their education and their passion for football. It also reflects the importance of holistic development for young athletes, who must balance their sporting careers with their academic pursuits.
The Road Ahead: Expectations and Aspirations
As the Junior Starlets prepare for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, the expectations are high. This historic qualification is not only a testament to the progress of women’s football in Kenya but also an opportunity for the country to showcase its talent on a global platform. The team’s performance in the tournament will be closely watched, and there is hope that they can make a strong impression against some of the world’s best youth teams.
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In conclusion, the Junior Starlets’ participation in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is a historic moment for Kenyan football. With a strong provisional squad, comprehensive preparations, and the backing of the nation, the team is poised to make its mark on the global stage. The journey to the Dominican Republic is just the beginning, and the Starlets are ready to rise to the challenge.
ALSO READ:Junior Starlets’ Exam Dilemma Resolved: KNEC Allows U17 World Cup Players to Sit Exams Later
