Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has pledged to sponsor 50 lady cheerleaders to support the Kenyan under-17 women's football team at the Women's World Cup set to be held in the Dominican Republic this October and November.
The initiative follows the team's historic qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Sonko said his sponsorship aims to motivate the team to strive for victory and bring the World Cup home.
"I'm going to sponsor 50 girls to go cheer our heroines," Sonko said in a message on X.
The Former Governor expressed confidence in the team's potential and called on everyone to encourage the players.
Sonko has a history of supporting sports teams by covering their expenses.
In 2019, he fulfilled his promise by awarding the Harambee Stars Ksh 3 million after their 3-0 victory over Ethiopia in a Group F qualifying match at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.
Kenya qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time ever after beating Burundi 2-0 to seal an aggregate 5-0 victory in the two-legged qualifier.
Marion Serenge opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Valerie Nekesa sealed the win in the match played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.
The win handed the Junior Starlets a ticket for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in October and November.
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche said the win was a big deal.
"As a team, we are motivated to do better. It’s a big deal for us.”
Junior Starlets dominated Burundi 3-0 in the first-leg encounter at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
The goals came from Lornah Faith, Marion Serenge and substitute Susan Okoth.
“This is a big moment for the players, our technical bench, FKF and the country at large,” Cheche said.