The coach also acknowledged that teams participating in the world cup are all good and Kenya being an underdog, its an advantage for her and her team considering no one knows their gameplay
Harambee Starlets U17 head coach, Mildred Cheche, has shared her thoughts on the upcoming FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic. This marks a historic moment as the Junior Starlets become the first-ever Kenyan team to participate in a World Cup tournament. The squad has been in camp for the past three weeks and is set to travel to Spain for an international training camp from September 19 to October 1, before heading to the competition.
“We’ve improved on several areas that we had gaps and also strengthened the team.” said Coach Cheche. “Playing at the World Cup is different from playing regional football. They’re going to play the best of the best in the World cup and we need them fully prepared. We’ll play better teams while in camp in Spain and prepare them fully for the task.”
The coach also acknowledged that teams participating in the world cup are all good and Kenya being an underdog, its an advantage for her and her team considering no one knows their gameplay and they will be up for the task no matter the opponent.
Kenya is in Group C of the competition, alongside England, Mexico and North Korea. The provisional squad that is currently in camp consist of;
Goalkeepers: Velma Auma (Wiyeta Secondary Sch.), Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.), Elizabeth Munyanya (Kilimo Girls High Sch.)
Defenders: Elizebeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Claire Meris (Kobala Sec. Sch),Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Valerie Wanjiru Oyugi (Ligi Ndogo), Jenevieve Mithel (Nyakach Sec.), Christine Adhiambo (Nyakach Sec.), Elizabeth Anyango (Beijing Raiders), Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls), Sheryl Amuok (Nyakach Girls), Diana Anyango (Butere Girls)
Midfielders: Velma Awuor (Nyakach Girls Secondary), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls Secondary), Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed), Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies), Lindi Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior High School), Nancy Anyango (Nyakach Girls), Pearl Olesi (St. Joseph’s Kitale).
Forwards: Abiagel Nelima (St. Joseph’s Gilrs Kitale), Lorna Faith (Butere Girls), Lilian Mueni (St.Bridgit Syomunyu Girls), Salma Baya (Kombani Sec. Sch), Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls), Joan Ogola (St. Maurice Mwira Junior High), Mitshelle Waithera (Acakoro Ladies), Marion Serenge (Archbishop Njenga Secondary), Quinter Adhiambo (St. Alfred Alara Mixed), Jane Kweyu (St. Martha’s Mwitoti Sec. Sch), Patience Asiko (Butere Girls High Sch.), Ruth Nanjala (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale), Lucy Naliaka (Kinale Girls High Sch.)
The junior starlets will begin their campaign on October 18th against England then face off North Korea three days later. They will then play their final group stage match against Mexico on October 24th.