In a heartwarming gesture of support, President William Ruto has called for the inclusion of three young footballers—Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera—who were excluded from the final Junior Starlets squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The President made this appeal during the official flagging-off ceremony of the team as they prepare for their pre-tournament training camp in Spain.
President Ruto’s call for the inclusion of these omitted players as part of the delegation to the Dominican Republic highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals who played a role in the Junior Starlets’ historic qualification. Despite not making the final roster due to fitness and injury concerns, the President urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ensure that these players remain part of the team’s journey, symbolizing unity and support for women’s football in Kenya.
President Ruto’s Support for Omitted Players
During his address at the State House ceremony, President Ruto emphasized the critical role that Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera played in helping the Junior Starlets qualify for the World Cup. Although they were left out of the final squad, Ruto noted their contributions and insisted that they should be included in the delegation accompanying the team to the Dominican Republic.
“I know there are three girls, Sheryl, Claire, and Mitshelle, who made a huge contribution towards getting us here and will not be in the team, but I want them to be part of the team that will accompany you to this event as representatives of all the others who participated,” President Ruto said during his speech.
This statement reflects the President’s belief that the success of the Junior Starlets is not solely the result of the 23 players who made the final squad, but also the efforts of the entire extended team, including those who did not make the final cut.
FKF’s Selection Rationale
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had previously explained the rationale behind the exclusion of the three players from the final squad. According to the federation, the decision was made based on a combination of factors, including form, fitness, and tactical balance.
In particular, Sheryl Amuok was left out due to a knee injury sustained during the East Africa School Games, while Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera were not selected based on form. Despite their notable contributions during the World Cup qualifiers, the FKF stated that it was crucial to prioritize a balance between fitness, form, and tactical alignment to ensure the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
“Twelve players, including Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera, have not been selected for the final roster. Despite their significant contributions during the World Cup qualifiers, the coaching staff felt it was essential to prioritize a balance of fitness, form, and tactical alignment,” an FKF statement read.
Recognizing the Importance of Support Staff
In addition to calling for the inclusion of the omitted players, President Ruto took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the support staff in ensuring the well-being of the Junior Starlets during the tournament. He emphasized the importance of the medical and technical team in helping the players perform at their best.
“All the physios, as well as the officials who will be accompanying the team, look after the girls. Kenya will be watching you. We are a great sporting nation, and sports is something that brings our country together,” Ruto remarked.
The President’s comments reflect the importance of having a strong support system in place, both on and off the pitch, to help the Junior Starlets succeed in their World Cup journey.
The Junior Starlets’ Historic World Cup Campaign
The Junior Starlets’ qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup marks a significant milestone in Kenyan football history. When they take to the pitch on October 18 against England, they will become the first Kenyan team to participate in a FIFA World Cup at any level. This historic achievement has generated excitement among Kenyan football fans, and the team’s journey to the tournament has been widely celebrated.
The Junior Starlets’ group stage fixtures include matches against England, Korea DPR, and Mexico. These teams represent some of the strongest youth football programs in the world, but the Junior Starlets are ready to rise to the occasion and compete on the global stage.
- October 18 – Kenya vs. England
- October 20 – Kenya vs. Korea DPR
- October 24 – Kenya vs. Mexico
President Ruto’s intervention in advocating for the inclusion of the omitted players is a symbolic gesture that further underscores the importance of unity and team spirit as the Junior Starlets embark on this historic journey.
Pre-Tournament Training in Spain
The Junior Starlets will depart for Spain on Thursday morning for a pre-tournament training camp. This camp is designed to help the players acclimatize to international competition standards and refine their tactics before the World Cup kicks off in October.
During their time in Spain, the team will participate in a series of friendly matches against top European youth teams. These matches will provide valuable experience for the players and help them prepare for the challenges that await them in the Dominican Republic.
Head coach Mildred Cheche expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, noting that the training camp in Spain would further enhance the team’s readiness for the tournament.
“We’ve improved in several areas where we had gaps and strengthened the team. Playing internationally is different from regional competitions, as we will meet the best of the best, and we need to be prepared,” Coach Cheche stated.
The Impact of President Ruto’s Gesture
President Ruto’s call for the inclusion of Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera in the Junior Starlets’ delegation highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of all players, even those who may not make the final squad. This gesture serves as a reminder that every player, coach, and staff member plays a vital role in the success of a team.
For the three players who were left out, being part of the delegation will allow them to share in the experience of the World Cup and provide moral support to their teammates. It is also a reflection of the President’s broader commitment to supporting sports in Kenya and ensuring that young athletes receive the recognition they deserve.
Conclusion
As the Junior Starlets prepare to make history at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, President William Ruto’s call for the inclusion of omitted players Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera in the team’s delegation has sent a powerful message about the value of unity and inclusivity in sports. With the team set to depart for Spain ahead of their group stage matches in October, Kenya will be watching with pride as the Junior Starlets represent the nation on the global stage.
This historic journey is not only about competing in the World Cup but also about celebrating the achievements of Kenyan women’s football and inspiring future generations of young female athletes.
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