Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has unveiled a 51-player provisional squad for preparations ahead of the crucial U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2025 qualifier against Uganda in March.
Following the historic achievement of qualifying for the U17 World Cup in 2024, Cheche has retained several players from that squad including goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor, defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel
In addition, midfielders Lindey Weey, Halima Imbachi and Brenda Awuor, along with forwards Joy Valencia, Joan Ogola and Quinter Adhiambo among others have also made the cut.
The team consists of gifted young talents from schools across the country with some players also selected from various clubs.
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However, some key players who shone in the 2024 squad, such as Marion Serenge, Lorna Faith and Diana Onyango have been elevated to the U-20 squad as confirmed by Cheche.
This transition poses a challenge for Cheche, as she works to form a new competitive squad that will face a formidable Uganda side who are also a powerhouse in the region.
“The squad that qualified for the last U17 World Cup has largely moved on, with players like Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge and Diana Anyango now part of the U20 team. This makes the challenge even tougher, but it’s achievable,“ Cheche remarked.
She revealed that the primary focus will be to schedule more friendly matches to prepare adequately for Uganda. Should they succeed in qualifying, the team will face another tough opponent in Cameroon.
“Uganda is a strong side, already match-fit from playing in the first round and if we get past them, an even bigger test awaits us against Cameroon.
To prepare, we will play a couple of friendlies against local sides. Our goal remains clear – to qualify for the U17 World Cup and we will give our all to make it happen,” added Cheche.
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The Junior Starlets will begin their training this week, with friendly matches lined up to ensure thorough preparation for the Uganda clash. Uganda, having already played in the first round of qualifiers, will have the advantage in match fitness.
In a double-header encounter, the first match will take place between March 7 and 9, 2025, while the second leg will be held between March 14 and 16, 2025.
Junior Starlets Provisional squad
Goalkeepers
- Velma Auma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets)
- Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary)
- Mitchelle Achieng (Madira Girls)
- Ann Wavinya Abednego (Ibubi Girls)
- Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls)
- Malia Rose Nyabera Otondi (Pelham Memorial – New York, USA)
Defenders
- Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets)
- Jenevive Mithel (Nyakach Girls)
- Patience Asiko (Butere Girls)
- Sharline Munasia (Madira Girls)
- Kelsey Aoko (Mwitoti Secondary)
- Steller Kasichana (Kombani Secondary)
- Naomi Kwamboka (Saye School)
- Grace Mumo (Madira Girls)
- Rose Nangila Wanyonyi (Wiyeta Girls)
- Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls)
- Julliet Akinyi (Nyakach Girls)
- Berine Ikanya (Butere Girls)
- Fancy Cheptoo (Trinity Mission)
- Rehema Omulubi (Trinity Mission)
- Jecinta Ndunge (Mbihi Girls High School)
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Midfielders
- Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls)
- Lindy Weey Atieno (Sunflower Academy)
- Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls)
- Brigit Maria (Wiyeta Girls)
- Merceline Adhiambo (Madira Girls)
- Monica Nelima (Saye School)
- Pamela Adhiambo (Kombani Secondary)
- Serah Wanjiru (Menengai High School)
- Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
- Fleviah Khatenje (St. Joseph Girls)
- Tabitha Wambui (Kahawa Primary)
- Mwanakombo Nlela Bakari (Mwaroni JSS Ukunda)
- Linah Martha (Archbishop Njenga)
- Princencia Atieno (Saye School)
Forwards
- Sarah Awino (Mwitoti Secondary)
- Brenda Achieng (Ugunja Township)
- Mitchelle Waithera (Talanta)
- Ruth Nanjala (St. Joseph Girls)
- Anifa Bakari (Mwira Secondary)
- Linet Auma (Wiyeta Girls)
- Khadija Furaha Ali (Kobala School)
- Beffine Shaley (Kobala School)
- Joan Ogola (Mwira Primary)
- Judith Nandwa (Unattached)
- Quinter Adhiambo Mwendi (Saye School)
- Jane Kweyu (Mwitoti Secondary)
- Joy Angela Valencia (Butere Girls)
- Faith Boke (Lwak Girls)
- Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls)
- Ruth Akinyi (Starehe Girls High)
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