‘We’ve a formidable team to compete at any level’- Starlets confident after World Cup qualification
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche believes her squad is formidable and can compete at any level.
Cheche led the Kenya U17 squad to book the first-ever World Cup slot, knocking out Ethiopia and Burundi in the qualifiers.
Junior Starlets moment
Speaking to the press after the match, Cheche revealed that she was happy to be part of the first Kenyan football team to feature in the World Cup. 
She termed the qualification as a big moment for the playing unit and the country.
"Being part of the team that makes history for Kenya, being the first team that qualifies for the World Cup, is a big moment for us—the bench, players, and the country," Cheche stated.
Cheche has faith in the squad and lauded the school tournaments for providing an easy scouting opportunity for the coaches.
"We have a very formidable team that is able to compete at any level. Through Chapa Dimba and Talanta Hela events and school games, we have been able to select the best of the best. That is why we have depth, and through more school games, we can beef up the squad and be better," she added.
"It is a blessing, and we are motivated to go and perform better at the World Cup," she concluded.
The Junior Starlets achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Kenyan national team to qualify for a World Cup.
This remarkable feat follows their 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the fourth and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The decisive match took place on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Kenya entered the game with a three-goal advantage from their first-leg encounter in Ethiopia. Marion Serenge opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving Kenya an early lead.
Just four minutes later, Valerie Nekesa doubled the advantage, effectively securing Kenya’s place on the global stage.
Throughout the qualifiers, the Junior Starlets have displayed exceptional defensive and offensive prowess, not conceding a single goal while scoring eight. 
They secured a 3-0 aggregate win against Ethiopia and a 5-0 aggregate win against Burundi, earning their spot in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted in the Dominican Republic.
Junior Starlets history makers
Starting XI
1.Velma Abwire, 16. Christine Adhiambo, 3. Kimberly Akinyi, 19. Lorine Ilavonga, 12. Elizabeth Ochaka, 9. Velma Awuor, 10. Marion Serenge, 6. Susan Akoth, 14. Lorna Faith, 20.Rebecca Odato, 13. Valerie Nekesa
Substitutes
- Ephy Awuor , 24. Joan Ogola, 15. Mitshelle Waithera, 11. Diana Anyango, 5. Sheryl Atieno, 4. Jenevive Mithel, 7. Quinter Adhiambo, 8. Lindey Weey, 17. Halima Imbachi
