•Cheche is convinced her charges have what it takes to upset the more fancied opponents at the perennial global extravaganza, on their way to a momentous conquest.
•Cheche is convinced her charges have what it takes to upset the more fancied opponents at the perennial global extravaganza, on their way to a momentous conquest.
Image: HANDOUT
Junior Starlets' head coach Mildred Cheche departs to the Dominican Republic tonight for the official draw of the 2024 Fifa World Cup.
Cheche received an invitation from the World Football governing body, Fifa, to grace the event that will be held on Sunday.
This comes a few days after she guided her charges to the nation’s first-ever Fifa U-17 women’s World Cup following a resounding 5-0 aggregate win over East African neighbours Burundi on Sunday.
Cheche is convinced her charges have what it takes to upset the more fancied opponents at the perennial global extravaganza, on their way to a momentous conquest.
"Flexing muscles at the World Cup is an amazing prospect for our team. Our preliminary ideal is to attain practical knowledge and display the massive talent we have in Kenya," Cheche stated.
Cheche declined to settle for the underdog tag and pledged to navigate her charges to a radiant maiden appearance.
"We know this will be our first time on such a big stage but we are determined to make our presence felt. We'll fight tooth and nail to scale the furthest heights possible and make Kenya proud," Cheche remarked.
She lavished praise on the federation and the government for their massive support.
"From the onset of our endeavour, we were persuaded by our potential to steer the nation to unprecedented heights," Cheche remarked.
"Aware it wouldn't be a walk in the park, we kept immense faith in the enormous skills of our players and got buoyed by relentless backing from the local football governing body and the Kenyan government," she added.
Cheche said their psyche ballooned with each contest and they kept plotting afresh for our opponents. "We are thrilled that we ultimately transformed the fantasy into a reality," she added.
Cheche reckons the milestone attests to the soundness and devotion of her players. She described the team's feat as a watershed for the women’s football terrain.
"It's a tremendous feeling to be part of history. It exemplifies a significant landmark on the Kenyan football landscape, primarily for women who have undergone a lot to accomplish greatness," Cheche remarked.
"This triumph indicates how much our girls can acquire with precise backing and conviction," she added.
Cheche reckons Junior Starlets' success narrative will inspire budding players aspiring for greatness in the realm of women's football.
"Our conquest has opened a new avenue for all the girls pursuing a fruitful career in football. We expect more girls to embrace the sport," she concluded.
Kenya will fly the continent's flag alongside Nigeria and Zambia in the 16-team showpiece that will run from October 16 to November 3 at the Cibao University and the Felix Sanchez stadia.