Kenya’s Junior Starlets will have a 10-day high-level training camp in Spain before heading to the Dominican Republic for the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup, set to kick off on October 16 through November 3, 2024.
The Junior Starlets will begin their group stage matches on October 18 against England, followed by a clash with Korea DPR on October 20.
They will conclude their group campaign against Mexico on October 24, 2024.
Meanwhile, speculation had been rife on social media regarding the status of the Spain trip, with multiple sources suggesting that the camp had been cancelled for unknown reasons.
However, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has clarified the matter, noting that the camp for the talented girls is still on and will now commence on September 20, 2024.
In a statement, FKF confirmed that the Junior Starlets will depart for Spain on September 19.
Similarly, the team is expected to train in Spain for approximately 10 days before leaving for Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, on September 30.
“The Kenya U-17 Women’s camp in Spain, originally scheduled for September 10, 2024, has been postponed and will now commence on September 19, 2024. This adjustment will allow the team additional time to continue fine-tuning their local preparations,” FKF’s statement read in part.
The Junior Starlets, who made history by becoming the first-ever Kenyan football team to qualify for a Fifa World Cup, began preparations for the global sporting event on September 3 at the Kasarani Stadium.
The tournament, now entering its 8th edition, will run from October 16 through November 3, with matches being played at Estadio Cibao Universitario and Estadio Felix Sanchez.
The Confederation of African Football will be represented by debutants Kenya, alongside Nigeria and Zambia.
Under the guidance of coach Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets are in Group C, alongside two-time champions Korea DPR, 2018 finalists Mexico as well as England.
Kenya will begin its quest for international football glory against England in Santiago de los Caballeros at 8pm East African time.
Team captain Elizabeth Ochaka, who gained significant experience playing for Kenya Police FC in the Cecafa Women’s Champions League Qualifiers in Ethiopia, highlighted the importance of this World Cup qualification, both for the players and for Kenyan football.
