- The Kenya U17 team is one of four teams making their debut in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
- Others include Ecuador, Poland and hosts Dominican Republic.
The U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament will kick off on Wednesday 16 October in the Dominican Republic for its eighth edition.
Kenya’s U17 team, Junior Starlets, are set to make history as the first Kenyan team to qualify and participate in the World Cup.
They secured a 3-0 aggregate win against Ethiopia and a 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi, earning their spot in the 2024 edition of the global tourney where they have been drawn in Group C alongside England, Korea DPR and Mexico.
The Junior Starlets will begin their tournament campaign against England on the 18th, followed by a match against Korea DPR two days later before wrapping up group stage action against Mexico on the 24th.
Led by head coach Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets performed well in their three friendly matches in Spain and one against the hosts in the Dominican Republic.
They rallied to win 3-1 in their final match against the Dominican Republic in Santiago, boosting their hopes for the main tournament.
They also recorded victories over Valencia CF and Intercity CF, both with 4-1 scorelines, while they drew 1-1 with Portugal, coming from a goal down in that match.
Kenyans will be looking to watch several key players who have excelled during the qualification journey.
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One standout is Valarie Nekesa, a student at Madira Girls High School who has been in excellent form since training began in Spain.
She helped the Starlets secure a win against Burundi and scored a brace against Valencia WFC followed by an equalizer against Portugal and another goal against Intercity.
Another key player is Marion Serenge, a student at Archbishop Njenga Girls, who score secured Kenya’s spot in the World Cup against Burundi.
She has been impressive since the Chapa Dimba tournament where she was named the Most Valuable Player.
Serenge will be a player to watch closely, especially as she chose to focus on football instead of taking her KCSE exams this year.
Velma Abwire will serve as the Junior Starlets’ goalkeeper, guiding the defense to prevent opposing teams from scoring. She has proven capable of stopping long-range and aerial shots and her clean sheets will be an advantage for the Kenyan side.
Other defenders include Lorine Ilavunga, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Christian Odhiambo, all of whom have performed admirably throughout the qualification process.
Serenge will be supported by Velma Awuor, Susan Okoth and Lorna Faith in midfield and on the wings to deliver crucial attacks to opponents.
Kenya U17 Starlets Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor
Defenders
Elizabeth 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