By KPC Reporter
Kenya’s Junior Starlets have departed for Pretoria, South Africa, ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Bantwana on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The Mildred Cheche-coached side is aiming to move one step closer to securing a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Morocco later this year.
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The tournament has been expanded in recent years, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to growing women’s football globally and providing more opportunities for emerging nations.
The Junior Starlets made history in 2024 when they became the first Kenyan football team, male or female, to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
They earned a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, marking a landmark achievement for Kenyan football and inspiring a new generation of young players across the country.
With another World Cup ticket within reach, confidence is high in the Kenyan camp.
The players have undergone intensive preparations and are determined to secure a positive result away from home before hosting the return leg.
Coach Cheche has expressed belief in her squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, citing the experience gained from the previous qualification campaign and international competition.
A strong performance in Pretoria would place Kenya in a favourable position ahead of the decisive second leg as the Junior Starlets continue their quest to cement their place among Africa’s emerging football powers and return to the world stage.
