Kenya’s Junior Starlets Set for Historic Moment at The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, established in 2008, is one of world's most significant youth tournaments, providing a platform for emerging female football stars. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring young footballers, aiding their development on the path to professional careers.
From October 16th to November 3rd in the Dominican Republic, Kenya will be represented at a global football showpiece, as the Junior Starlets participate in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a strong round of qualifiers.
When the team, led by Head Coach Mildred Cheche, kick off against England on October 18th, it will the first time a Kenyan team plays a football world cup match. Indeed, a monumental achievement for Kenyan football, marking the beginning of a new era for the sport in the country.
"This is a huge accomplishment for the girls to be the first team in the country to qualify for the World Cup. It’s a historic moment for the players, the technical bench, and the country," said Coach Cheche after qualification was sealed.
The Junior Starlets at a Friendly Match in Preparation for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024.
Who Are the Junior Starlets?
The Junior Starlets U-17 team is Kenya’s national under-17 women’s football squad, tasked with developing young female players and preparing them for international competition.
Overseen by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), this team serves as a critical feeder to the senior national team, the Harambee Starlets.
Junior Starlets Journey to the FIFA U17 World cup
Kenya’s qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is nothing short of emphatic. They had a tense qualifier against Ethiopia, which ended in a goalless draw. In the return leg, playing on home ground, they decisively defeated Ethiopia 3-0.
"That win was more than just a scoreline; it was a statement of our intent and strength. The girls were focused on carving their path to glory." coach Cheche emphasized.
Their quest didn’t stop there, as Burundi posed the next challenge. Once again, the Junior Starlets stepped up, achieving a commanding 3-0 win away from home. The Junior Starlets finally secured their place in the global tournament after a 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the 2024 qualifiers. The young girls showcased their dominance during the qualifiers, scoring eight goals without conceding a single goal.
The significance of Kenya's inaugural qualification for a FIFA Women's World Cup was not lost on the manager, "I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured for this remarkable achievement. This milestone holds tremendous significance for our nation."
Indeed, this is not just a win for the players, but a significant step forward for Kenyan football as a whole. It highlights the country’s growing potential in women's football and its ability to compete on the global stage.
“This qualification is a game-changer for women’s football in Kenya. It serves as a powerful inspiration for young girls across the country who are interested in playing football,” Cheche added.
Historically, Kenya has struggled to make its mark in global football, with the senior national men’s team, Harambee Stars, only making sporadic appearances at the continental competition, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, the Junior Starlets' qualification may be a turning point.
So, when the whistle blows at the Santiago De Los Caballeros on Friday the 18th, it will be a moment of history for sports in the country.
Grassroots Football: The Foundation of Success
The Junior Starlets' success is a testament to the efforts of grassroots football development in Kenya and serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of female footballers.
“From the very beginning of the qualifiers campaign, we believed in our potential to reach this stage,” Cheche said in a past press interview.
Local academies, school competitions, and youth leagues have been critical in nurturing talent for the Junior Starlets. Programs such as Chapa Dimba and Copa Coca-Cola have given talented young girls, like Marion Serenge, the opportunity to showcase their skills and ultimately earn a spot on the national junior team. Serenge for intsance, was in a past edition of the Chapa Dimba tournament, the Western Region Most Valuable Player.
A group of players in the Kenya U17 Girls' team have also been spotted while competing in the annual Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games. The games have also presented opportunities for players already part of Junior Starlets to nurture the competitive side. This year's KSSSA national games saw players like Lorna Faith, Diana Anyango, and Halima Imbachi from Butere Girls, Christine Adhiambo, Jenevive Mithel and Sheryl Amuok from Nyakach Girls, and Quinter Adhiambo from St. Alfred Alara take part.
These grassroots initiatives have yielded positive results, as the Junior Starlets feature players from various regions of Kenya, showcasing a diverse range of skills and playing style.
In the end, the final squad that gets the chance to be the first Kenyans at a football world cup is made up of the following players:
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor
Defenders
Elizebeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango
Midfielders
Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the excitement surrounding the Junior Starlets’ debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup is undeniable, the road ahead is not without challenges. The team will face off against nations with more established football development programs.
Maintaining focus, discipline, and a learning mindset will be crucial for their success in the tournament.
“We know it wouldn’t be easy, but the talent and determination of our players, along with the support from the Federation and the Government, gives us confidence. We approached each match with a winning mentality and a clear strategy. Coach Mildred Cheche narrates.
Additionally, the Football Kenya Federation must ensure that the momentum created by this historic qualification is sustained. This includes ongoing support for the players and investment in football development programs at all levels.
This historic achievement could pave the way for even greater accomplishments in the years to come. Beyond the national pride, the Junior Starlets will serve as role models for young girls across the country. Their success will inspire a new generation of footballers who dream of following in their footsteps, further strengthening the future of women’s football in Kenya.
Feature Image Credit: FKF
