Junior Starlets’ combative midfielder Rebecca Odato expressed her excitement following a visit from Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to her school, Dagoretti Mixed Secondary School, ahead of the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

CS Murkomen visited the Kawangware-based school, even joining the team for a football session before delivering a message of encouragement to the Junior Starlets on Friday, October 18.

The CS noted the significance of his visit, recognizing Dagoretti Mixed as one of the institutions with players representing Kenya at the prestigious World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

“I got the message from a friend that Sports CS Murkomen was at my school, Dagoretti Mixed. Some government officials who visited our camp here in Santiago in the Dominican Republic also told me. Personally, his gesture was very humbling and touching. I know it’s not easy for a CS to visit every school with a Junior Starlet player, so I want to thank him for taking the time to find out where I study. That means a lot to me as a player,” Odato said with a grin.

The Form Four student has played in Kenya’s first two games at the World Cup, starting in the opening match against England and logging 78 minutes against Korea DPR before being replaced by Jane Kweyu in the later stages of the second half.

Unfortunately, she missed Kenya’s first-ever World Cup win against Mexico due to a suspension after receiving consecutive yellow cards in the matches against England and Korea DPR.

For Odato, playing at the World Cup has left a lasting impression and unforgettable memories.

“Playing at the World Cup is a dream come true, especially at this age. Not everyone gets to play on this stage, and I have to thank God for the opportunity. I’ve gained a lot of experience, especially from our first game against England. Those players were skilled, and it’s a level I aspire to reach,” she shared.

Odato, the fourth-born in a family of seven, says that her experience on the global football stage has made her a better player and brought her closer to her childhood dream of one day playing for Arsenal.

“The World Cup has made me a better player because it’s given me a platform to be seen worldwide. Now, I can say some people across the globe know me from watching the games. I’m grateful to my teammates and my coaches for giving us the opportunity to be part of this Kenyan team.”