Junior Starlets team report to camp

Kenya’s Under 17 women’s national team reported back to camp on Thursday evening at the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani.

The Junior Starlets are to begin preparations for their decisive third-round tie against Cameroon in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya is set to host the first leg on April 4 before traveling for the return fixture on April 25.

Head coach Mildred Cheche welcomed 10 players alongside members of the technical bench, with more players expected to join camp today.

The team will also play a friendly against Morocco to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the crucial encounter.

The Junior Starlets booked their place in the third round with a dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Uganda, sealing the tie with a 3-0 win in the second leg at Nyayo National Stadium.

 Having secured a 2-0 away win in Uganda through goals from Joan Ogola and Edinah Nasipwondi, Kenya completed the job at home to set up a showdown with Cameroon.

The winner will secure a ticket to the World Cup set to be hosted in Morocco later this year.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya assured the team of the government’s full backing as they continue their qualification journey, emphasizing their discipline and potential.

"This team has done well, and they have been much disciplined in their recent matches. We came to assure them that the government is fully behind them as they go for friendlies and competitions. They have a good chance, and we will ensure they have the best environment to explore their talents and rise internationally," said Mvurya.

He was joined by Sports Principal Secretary (PS) Elijah Mwangi alongside FKF officials led by President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy McDonald Mariga as they reaffirmed their support for the team.