Harambee Starlets forward Mwanahalima Jereko has called on President William Ruto and the Ministry of Sports to visit the national women’s team ahead of their departure to Ivory Coast as they step up preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Starlets are scheduled to leave the country on Saturday February 28, for a series of international friendlies before proceeding directly to the tournament, and Jereko believes a show of support from the country’s leadership would provide timely motivation.
In an emotional appeal, Jereko urged the President to accord the women’s team similar recognition to that given to the men’s side in previous assignments.
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“Mr President, show up for the girls the way you did for the boys because this is a big tournament. The coaches have done their job and we as players have also done ours, so I urge him to show up for us. Even the Ministry of Sports has not shown up,” she said.
The forward emphasized that the team will not have another opportunity to return home before the continental showpiece kicks off, making the moment even more significant.
“We want to meet him before we leave because it will be good motivation for us. As we head to Ivory Coast for the friendlies, we will not come back since we will proceed directly to WAFCON,” she added.
Jereko further noted that while financial incentives are appreciated, what the team desires most at this stage is visible moral support.
“I urge the government to support us because we have not received any word from them yet, and we are going for a big tournament. Without that, the motivation among the players will not be as high,” she explained.
“Support is not only about finances; it is about being here with us, showing that you care and that we are together. That alone is enough support, and the rest will follow.”
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Her remarks come against the backdrop of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, where the men’s national team, Harambee Stars, received substantial financial rewards.
President Ruto had pledged KSh 1 million for every win and KSh 500,000 for every draw, with the amounts increasing as the team progressed to the quarter-finals.
Now, as Harambee Starlets prepare to fly the Kenyan flag on the continental stage, they are hoping for similar goodwill.
The team will play two friendlies in Ivory Coast, beginning with a clash against Benin on March 2 before facing Ivory Coast on March 4. Thereafter, they will travel to Miramas, France for final preparations ahead of WAFCON in Morocco.
Kenya has been drawn in a challenging group alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.
The Starlets will open their campaign against Morocco on March 17 at Moulay El Hassan Stadium, face Senegal on March 20 at the same venue, and conclude their group matches against Algeria on March 23 at Al Madina Stadium.