‘Our ultimate goal is World Cup’ – Junior Starlets Coach declares

The Kenya Women’s U17 National Team, the Junior Starlets, are intensifying their preparations for the second leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Ethiopia.

After a challenging 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in Addis Ababa, the team has ramped up their training regime this week. The decisive match is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 3 pm, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Coach Mildred Cheche emphasized the significance of securing a spot in the World Cup, stating, “Playing this qualifier means a lot to us, especially for the girls, because it’s a step closer to the World Cup. We all want to give our best as a team and secure a positive result. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the first-ever World Cup.”

Assistant Captain Velma Abwire commented on the team’s preparations, saying, “We’ve trained hard this week and are ready to give our best on Sunday. We welcome all fans to come and support us, pushing us to victory.”

Captain Elizabeth Ochaka also urged Kenyans to show their support: “We urge our fans to come out in large numbers to support us on Sunday at Ulinzi Complex.”

The winner of this match will advance to the fourth and final round to face Burundi. The victor of that round will secure an automatic qualification to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in October, to be held in the Dominican Republic.

Junior Starlets Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.), Velma Auma (Wiyeta Secondary School), Mitchelle Achieng (Brenda Girls)

DefendersElizebeth Ochaka (Shiraha Starlets), Claire Meris (Kobala Sec. Sch),Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Brenda Nechesa (Butere Girls Sec. Sch), Jenevieve Mitchel (Nyakach Sec.) Christine Adhiambo (Nyakach Sec.), Judith Nandwa (Butere Girls), Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls), Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls Sec.), Hilder Natecho (Archbishop Njenga Secondary), Rose Nangila (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.).

Midfielders

Velma Awuor (Nyakach Girls Secondary), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls Secondary),  Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed), Susan Akoth (Gor Mahia Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Lindi Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior High School)

Forwards

Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls), Joy Angela Valencia (Butere Girls), Marion Serenge (Arch Bishop Njenga), Quinter Adhiambo (St. Alfreda Alara Mixed), Sylvia Mukai (Wiyeta Secondary School),  Diana Anyango (Butere Girls), Patience Kasichana (Uweza Women), Peruce Elizabeth (Magunga Girls)

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