President William Ruto has honoured a request made by Cabinet Secretary, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen on three players who were dropped from the national Under-17 girls’ football team, Junior Starlets, heading to the under-17 World Cup scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic.

Speaking in State House Nairobi on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, CS Murkomen informed the Head of State that three girls had been dropped from the squad yet they played a critical role in the World Cup qualification campaign.

Murkomen thus requested the President to accommodate the three girls to travel with the rest of the squad but only as fans.

The players mentioned by Murkomen were Sheryl Amuok, Mitchelle Waithera and Claire Meris. The trio were left out of coach Mildred Cheche’s final squad of 23 which is heading to the Dominican Republic where they will square it out with England, North Korea and Mexico in Pool C.

“I had already spoken to you and I want to reiterate here that even though they are not going to travel as part of this team…as players…I want to request your kind office to find it in your eternal generosity to support these three to go as part of the fans to support this team from the stands and watch their friends playing,” Murkomen requested the President.

Honours request

Speaking after flagging them off for the global showpiece, President Ruto announced that the three players would travel with the squad and would be on the stands drumming support for the Under-17 girls’ football team, Junior Starlets.

Ruto lauded them for their contribution to the national team and indicated the trio would represent others who also missed out from the list of 23 players who are going to represent the country.

“I know they made a huge contribution getting us here. They may not be in the team to play but as has been asked, I want them to be in the team that will accompany you. I wish for them to be part of this historic event as representatives of those who were part of this team but didn’t make it because it could only be a certain number. I wish it was more,” Ruto announced.

The Junior Starlets have our unequivocal support as they compete in the historic World Cup soccer. Make our country proud, break more barriers and come back home with the trophy.

Commissioned the Junior Starlets as they head to the Dominican Republic for the FIFA U-17 Women's… pic.twitter.com/ETcX52df57

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 18, 2024

At the same time, Ruto challenged Junior Starlets to make the country proud on the global stage. He promised to support them to ensure they put Kenya on the map.

“The Junior Starlets have our unequivocal support as they compete in the historic World Cup soccer. Make our country proud, break more barriers and come back home with the trophy,” Ruto stated.

The team which gifted him a jersey promised to fight for the badge during in the World Cup tournament.