Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche was full of praise for her girls after wrapping up the Women’s Under-17 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Mexico early yesterday.
The historic victory saw the Kenyan girls finish third in Group C with three points having succumbed 2-0 and 3-0 to quarterfinalists England and North Korea respectively.
Cheche believes it was a fair result considering they were debutants.
“We were better than the Mexicans today and I am happy to have gotten my tactics right and the victory. At least, we will not go back home empty-handed. We cherish both the points and the Player of the Match award,” Cheche said.
The tactician wants her girls to stick together and has requested the federation and the government to ensure the players are helped to get more exposure through international friendlies and tournaments.
Cheche believes this will ensure they are hardened and ready for the next qualifiers.
“These girls are very talented and need to stick together to ensure they don’t lose momentum. They must improve tactically and physically. They must also become the feeder to the U19, U20 and the senior team,” the elated coach said.
Kenya finished the tournament third overall in Group ‘C’ on three points while Mexico finished bottom in the pool without a point.
Double champions North Korea, who thrashed England 4-0, finished top of the group on nine points.
Meanwhile, Lorna Faith Wasike who was named the MVP thanked her team-mates, coaches and fans for supporting her during the tournament and promised to produce more goals in future.
The Butere Girls’ student scored a 36th-minute goal, adding to Valerie Nekesa’s 15th-minute opener as Kenya overpowered the South Americans in all departments.
“I am so happy to have helped my country win and am looking forward to more. This award motivates me to even fight harder and make more history and I will always cherish it,” Lorna said.
The debutants who bowed out in the preliminary, made history by becoming the first Kenyan football side to win in a World Cup match at any level.
Captain Elizabeth Ochaka, goalkeeper Velma Abwire, Halima Imbachi, Kimberly Akinyi and Marion Serenge also produced great performances in the game.
Meanwhile, Mexican coach Rojas
Jimena acknowledged Kenya was
the better side and believes the
country’s future is bright.