The squad announced features several familiar faces from the 2024 World Cup campaign, including goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor, defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel
Coach Mildred Cheche has announced her provisional 51player squad for the Kenya U17 women's national football team, the Junior Starlets, ahead of their crucial 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda in March.
The squad announced features several familiar faces from the 2024 World Cup campaign, including goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor, defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel, midfielders Lindey Weey, Halima Imbach and Brenda Awuor, as well as forwards Joy Valencia, Joan Ogola and Quinter Adhiambo.
However, Coach Cheche faces the challenge of rebuilding the team following the departure of several key players who helped secure qualification for the last World Cup. Notably, Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and Diana Anyango have moved up to the U20 national team, leaving a gap in the squad that will need to be filled by new, young talent.
Despite this, Coach Cheche is confident the Junior Starlets can rise to the occasion.
“The squad that qualified for the last U17 World Cup has largely moved on, with players like Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and Diana Anyango now part of the U20 team. This makes the challenge even tougher, but it’s achievable. Uganda is a strong side, already match-fit from playing in the first round, and if we get past them, an even bigger test awaits us against Cameroon. To prepare, we will play a couple of friendlies against local sides. Our goal remains clear – to qualify for the U17 World Cup, and we will give our all to make it happen,” said Cheche.
The Junior Starlets will begin their training camp this week, with several friendly matches lined up to ensure the team is well-prepared for the Uganda encounter. Uganda, having already played in the first round of qualifiers, will enter the match with a slight advantage in match fitness. However, Kenya’s young players have shown resilience in the past, and with the right preparation, they will be looking to overcome Uganda and set up a critical clash against Cameroon for a chance to qualify for the U17 World Cup.
The tie will be two legged, with the first match scheduled between March 7 and 9, 2025, and the return leg set for March 14 to 16, 2025.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets)
Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary)
Mitchelle Achieng (Madira Girls)
Ann Wavinya Abednego (Ibubi Girls)
Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls)
Malia Rose Nyabera Otondi (Pelham Memorial – New York, USA)
Defenders
Lorine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets)
Jenevieve Mithel (Nyakach Girls)
Patience Asiko (Butere Girls)
Sharline Munasia (Madira Girls)
Kelsey Aoko (Mwitoti Secondary)
Steller Kasichana (Kombani Secondary)
Naomi Kwamboka (Saye School)
Grace Mumo (Madira Girls)
Rose Nangila Wanyonyi (Wiyeta Girls)
Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls)
Julliet Akinyi (Nyakach Girls)
Berine Ikanya (Butere Girls)
Fancy Cheptoo (Trinity Mission)
Rehema Omulubi (Trinity Mission)
Jecinta Ndunge (Mbihi Girls High School)
Midfielders
Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls)
Lindy Weey Atieno (Sunflower Academy)
Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls)
Brigit Maria (Wiyeta Girls)
Merceline Adhiambo (Madira Girls)
Monica Nelima (Saye School)
Pamela Adhiambo (Kombani Secondary)
Serah Wanjiru (Menengai High School)
Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
Fleviah Khatenje (St. Joseph Girls)
Tabitha Wambui (Kahawa Primary)
Mwanakombo Nlela Bakari (Mwaroni JSS Ukunda)
Linah Martha (Arch Bishop Njenga)
Princencia Atieno (Saye School)
Forwards
Sarah Awino (Mwitoti Secondary)
Brenda Achieng (Ugunja Township)
Mitchelle Waithera (Talanta)
Ruth Nanjala (St. Joseph Girls)
Anifa Bakari (Mwira Secondary)
Linet Auma (Wiyeta Girls)
Khadija Furaha Ali (Kobala School)
Beffine Shaley (Kobala School)
Joan Ogola (Mwira Primary)
Judith Nandwa (Unattached)
Quinter Adhiambo Mwendi (Saye School)
Jane Kweyu (Mwitoti Secondary)
Joy Angela Valencia (Butere Girls)
Faith Boke (Lwak Girls)
Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls)
Ruth Akinyi (Starehe Girls High)