The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U17 Women’s National Team, is in a residential camp in Spain as they prepare for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place from October 16 to November 3, 2024, in the Dominican Republic.
Making their debut at the prestigious tournament, Kenya is gearing up for a challenging campaign under head coach Mildred Cheche, who sees this opportunity as a crucial step forward.
“We’ve made significant improvements in areas where we previously had gaps and strengthened the team,” Coach Cheche said before the trip to Spain. “Playing internationally is different from playing regionally, and we will be facing the best teams in the world. Our girls need to be fully prepared.”
She emphasized the importance of the friendly matches in Spain, considering Kenya’s status as underdogs an advantage: “Playing against teams in Spain will be crucial in getting the girls ready. Every team at the World Cup is strong, but being first-timers, we’re somewhat of an unknown entity. I see that as an advantage. No one knows how we play, but we will be up to the task,” she added.
Junior Starlets Friendly Matches
According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the Junior Starlets will play three friendly matches before heading to the Dominican Republic. The first match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, against Valencia CF Women, whose senior team competes in Spain’s top league, Liga F.
On Friday, September 27, the Starlets will take on Portugal in their second friendly match. Their final game in Spain will be against CF Intercity, a team in Spain’s Primera Federación – Group 2, on Monday, September 30. After this, they will embark on their journey to the World Cup.
Day 3️⃣! in 🇪🇸⚽ #JuniorStarlets #GoJuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/PLE1qZf8ej
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) September 22, 2024
What the Players Said
The players are enthusiastic about their training camp and the upcoming friendly matches. Midfielder Pearl Olesi noted the positive impact the camp is having on their preparation: “We’re enjoying our time in Spain. The training has been intense, and we’re looking forward to the friendlies. We aim to get positive results and sharpen our skills as we prepare for the World Cup.”
Her sentiments were echoed by teammate Diana Anyango, who highlighted the team’s focus on their first friendly against Valencia: “Spain has been good to us, and we’re training well. We’re working hard to ensure we win our first friendly match against Valencia.”
Junior Starlets’ Preparations
Before departure, the Junior Starlets played several friendly matches against FKF Women’s Premier League and Women’s National Super League sides. In their final domestic game, they secured an impressive 4-1 victory over reigning FKF Women’s Premier League champions, Police Bullets FC. They also faced Kayole Starlets in a match that ended in a 0-0 draw, eventually winning 5-4 on penalties.
After setting up camp, the Starlets’ first friendly saw them fall 3-1 to Ulinzi Starlets, giving them a pre-Spain record of one win, one loss, and one draw.
Dropped Players
Concerns were raised when Claire Meris and Mitchell Waithera, two players who contributed to the team’s World Cup qualification campaign, were left out of the squad that travelled to Spain. FKF explained that the selection was based on “fitness, form, and tactical alignment” to ensure the squad’s readiness for the World Cup.
During the team’s visit to State House, President William Ruto requested that the three players who contributed to the qualification—Sheryl, Claire, and Mitchell—be included in the delegation to the Dominican Republic as a show of appreciation for their efforts: “I know there are three girls, Sheryl, Claire, and Mitchell, who made a huge contribution towards getting us here. I want them to be part of the team that will accompany you to the event, representing all the others who participated,” said the President during the flagging-off ceremony.
2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Fixtures
The Junior Starlets will begin their World Cup journey against England on October 18, 2024, at Cibao Stadium, with kick-off at 2 am local time. They will face North Korea in their second match on October 20 at 11 pm local time at the same venue. The final group match will be against Mexico on October 24 at Estadio Félix Sánchez, with kick-off scheduled for 2 am local time.
Junior Starlets Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor
Defenders
Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango
Midfielders
Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Nancy Anyango (Nyakach Girls), Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia