In a groundbreaking moment for Kenyan football, the Kenya U17 women’s team, popularly known as the Junior Starlets, has been nominated for the CAF 2024 National Team of the Year award.
This monumental recognition marks a turning point for the country’s football scene and ignites hope for a brighter future in women’s sports.
The Junior Starlets’ nomination is a testament to their historic journey in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024, held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3.
The Junior Starlets etched their names in the history books by becoming the first-ever Kenyan team to participate in a World Cup tournament.
Despite being eliminated during the group stage, they left an indelible mark by achieving two significant milestones. First, they became the first Kenyan team to score a goal in a World Cup match.
Second, they celebrated an unforgettable 2-1 victory against Mexico, a former finalist, in their last group-stage match.
Placed in the challenging Group C alongside formidable opponents like England, eventual champions North Korea, and Mexico, the Kenyan side faced uphill battles in their opening matches.
They suffered a 2-0 loss to England and a 3-0 defeat to North Korea. However, their resilience shone through in the final match, where they delivered a performance that inspired millions of fans back home.
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The Junior Starlets’ exceptional journey didn’t go unnoticed. Their nomination for the CAF 2024 National Team of the Year award breaks a six-year drought for Kenya, with the last nomination coming in 2018 when the men’s team, Harambee Stars, was considered.
This time, it’s the women leading the charge, demonstrating the growing strength and potential of women’s football in Kenya.
Led by the passionate and dedicated head coach Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets have become a symbol of hope and inspiration. Their determination to overcome challenges and perform on a global stage is a story worth celebrating.
() – #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/sMR3AQojVC
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 20, 2024
Tough Competition Ahead
The Junior Starlets will face fierce competition for the prestigious award. They are up against nine other African teams, each with its own remarkable achievements in 2024:
- Cameroon U20: Debuted in the World Cup and reached the knockout stages before bowing out to Brazil.
- Morocco U20: Secured a bronze medal in the World Cup, showcasing exceptional talent.
- Nigeria U20 Falconets: Advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup.
- Malawi Women’s Team: Reached the semifinals at the COSAFA 2024 Women’s Cup.
- South Africa Women’s Team: Finalists at the COSAFA 2024 Women’s Cup.
- Zambia Women’s Team: Champions of the COSAFA 2024 Women’s Cup.
- Morocco’s Senior Women’s Team: Progressed to the round of 16 at the senior Women’s World Cup.
- Nigeria U17 Flamingos: Despite their inability to travel to the Dominican Republic, they remain strong contenders.
The Junior Starlets’ inclusion in such an elite group is a recognition of their potential and a reminder of Kenya’s growing presence on the African football scene.
Adding to the celebrations, Junior Starlets gem Valerie Nekesa has also been nominated for an individual award at the CAF 2024 event. Her standout performances during the World Cup have garnered attention across the continent, further cementing Kenya’s place in the limelight.
The Junior Starlets’ success story is more than just a sporting milestone—it’s a movement that has inspired young girls across Kenya to dream big. Their historic achievements in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 have proven that Kenyan teams can compete and excel on the global stage.
This nomination also signals a potential shift in focus and investment toward women’s football in Kenya. As fans celebrate this milestone, there is a growing call for stakeholders to provide better infrastructure, training facilities, and support to nurture the next generation of female footballers.
Fans Rally Behind the Starlets
Social media platforms have been buzzing with messages of support and pride for the Junior starlets. Fans have praised their determination and resilience, with many expressing optimism about the future of Kenyan football. The nomination is not just a win for the team but for the entire country, bringing national pride and unity.
