[PHOTOS] Ruto on striking duty as he flags off Junior Starlets for U17 Women's World Cup

President William Ruto hosted the Junior Starlets at State House on Wednesday, officially flagging off the team ahead of their departure to Spain.

The Head of State wore a striker jersey number 9 with the name WSR on the back and had a kickabout session with the team before flagging them off.

The 23-member squad is set to leave on Thursday, September 19, 2024, and will spend 11 days in a training camp before heading to the Dominican Republic for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

The ceremony, which saw the team receive blessings for the upcoming global tournament, was attended by Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, PS Peter Tum, and FKF President Nick Mwendwa.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche will rely on a solid squad that features goalkeepers Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), and Scovia Awuor.

The defence will be marshalled by Elizebeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, and Diana Anyango, while midfielders Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, and Lorna Faith will anchor the play.

Up front, Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, and Joy Angela Valencia will lead the attack.

The team will be accompanied by eight officials as they prepare for the highly anticipated tournament.