‘World Cup bigger priority than KCSE’ – FKF’s Mwendwa delves into Junior Starlets’ dilemma

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa has explained how the Junior Starlets can balance national exams and the 2024 World Cup preparations.

Eight players who helped Kenya progress to the finals are set to sit for their Kenya National Examination Certificate (KCSE) exams, while the focus should be on the finals set to be played later this year in the Dominican Republic.

The FKF chief said none of the players will be left behind to sit for the exams as others prepare for the global showpiece.

“I will not leave any girl behind because of the form-four exams. The World Cup can come once in your lifetime, and therefore, the exams can even be done in March next year.

"No player will be left out when they have worked so hard to qualify for the World Cup. We will have teachers for them during the Spain camp and in the Dominican Republic if need be, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players. Secondary school exams can be rescheduled,” Mwendwa explained.

Students and their schools

FKF's dilemma is made even bigger given that the players set for their national exams are the engine of the team.

Marion Serenge, a dependable striker, attends the Arch Bishop Njenga Secondary School in Kakamega County. She scored the opening goal on Sunday as Kenya beat Burundi 2-0 to grab the World Cup ticket. In the first leg played in Burundi, she scored as the Starlets claimed a 3-0 victory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Goalkeeper Velma Auma, who managed to register four clean sheets in the qualifiers, studies at Wiyeta Girls High School in Trans Nzoia County. Quinter Adhiambo is at St. Alfreda Alara Mixed, Rebecca Odato is at Dagoretti Mixed, Lorine Ilavonga is goalkeeper Auma's schoolmate, Christine Adhiambo, Laurene Ilavonga, and Velma Awuor are at Nyakach Secondary, and Claire Meris studies at Kobala Secondary.

As the girls focused on their World Cup dream, they had to forego studies for two months and are expected back in their institutions for the first time this year. Before leaving for the finals in the Americas, Starlets will train for three weeks in Spain.

The World Cup finals will kick off on October 16 to November 3, while this year’s KCSE begins on October 22 to November 22.

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.

Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p