Inside Junior Starlets State House Visit Ahead of FIFA U17 WWC

Posted by By admin September 19, 2024 Harambee Starlets
Junior Starlets William Ruto
Kenya's President William Ruto has a chat with the Junior Starlets, Kenya's U17 Women's national team, as he flagged them off to the World Cup

The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U17 Women’s national team, left the country on Thursday morning for Spain, where they will hold an 11-day residential camp before proceeding to the Dominican Republic for the 2024 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled for next month.

Before leaving the country, the final squad of 23, alongside members of the technical bench and Football Kenya Federation officials, visited the Statehouse to be flagged off by President William Ruto.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Peter Tum, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa attended the event. Apart from the official flagging off and speeches, the Ruto took time to have a kickabout with the girls to motivate them and show support.

Concerns about Dropped Players

Before the team left for Spain, concerns were raised over how three players, Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera, who participated in the qualification journey, were dropped from the final squad.

FKF explained why the three were missing, citing that Sheryl sustained an injury while representing her school in the FEASSSA games, while the other two had dropped in form.

“12 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 to ensure the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead,” the FKF stated.

“Sheryl Amuok is another notable absentee from the squad, having sustained a knee injury during the East Africa School Games. Despite not making the final roster, these players remain key figures in the programme, and their commitment has played an essential role in the team’s journey to this point.” continued part of the statement by FKF.

Ruto Includes Dropped Players

However, President Ruto called for the players’ inclusion in the travelling delegation, highlighting their significant role in the qualification journey. The players are set to travel to the Dominican Republic to support their teammates as they make history.

“I know there are three girls, Sheryl, Claire, and Mitchell, 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,” said the president.

He also vowed to support the team, albeit from the country, and lauded them for making history.

‘I will be cheering you from home. We are so proud of you for creating history after 60 years of waiting to participate in a World Cup. Go and bring the trophy home. Go with our blessings, and you have all the goodwill from us. Kenyans will be watching as sports bring Kenyans together, and we pray for success,” President Ruto stated in his speech.

Junior Starlets William Ruto Elizabeth Ochaka
President William Ruto hands Kenya’s flag to Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochaka as he flagged them off to the World Cup

What the Captain Said

While speaking as captain, Elizabeth Ochaka thanked the president for the support he showed the team and highlighted that the journey to the World Cup was challenging.

“I thank God for giving us this opportunity. It wasn’t an easy journey, and when we go to the World Cup in the Dominican Republic, we will be aiming for the trophy,” Ochaka said.

“Thank you, Mr President, for giving us support and the Ministry of Education for organizing special exams for players that are candidates, enabling them to participate in the World Cup,” she added.

Junior Starlets’ Opponents

Kenya is pooled in Group C alongside Korea DPR, Mexico, and England. Group A comprises the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, and Nigeria, while Group B comprises Spain, the United States, South Korea, and Colombia. Zambia will be in Group D alongside Japan, Poland, and Brazil.

Korea qualified for the World Cup by winning the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup. They have been champions of the tournament twice, in 2008 and 2016.

Mexico earned qualification after emerging runners-up at the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship. They have participated in the U-17 FIFA World Cup six times, with their best position being second in 2018.

England has participated in the World Cup twice and qualified after finishing runners-up in the UEFA U-17 Women’s Championship, losing to Spain. Their best finish was 8th in 2008.

Junior Starlets’ Fixtures, Players to Watch

Kenya will kick off its campaign against England on October 17th, 2024. The Junior Starlets will return to action for their second fixture against North Korea on October 20 before winding up their preliminary matches against Mexico on October 23, 2024.

Police FC defender Elizabeth Ochaka, the Junior Starlets’ captain, is expected to be a vital squad member at the heart of defence as they head into the World Cup. Other notable players expected to make a mark are Marion Serenge, Lorna Faith, and goal-poacher Valerie Nekesa.

Junior Starlets Final Squad

Goalkeepers

Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor

Defenders

Elizebeth 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.

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