The final squad for the Kenya U17 Girls’ National Team, the Junior Starlets, has been announced for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Notably absent from head coach Mildred Cheche’s final list of 12 players who helped secure qualification are Claire Meris, Sheryl Amuok, and Mitshelle Waithera. Coach Cheche explained that some players had to be omitted to ensure an optimal balance of fitness, form, and tactical readiness for the challenges ahead in South America. Amuok is sidelined due to a knee injury she sustained during the East Africa School Games while representing Nyakach Girls in Uganda.
The team was recently hosted at the State House by President William Ruto, who presented the flag to Captain Elizabeth Ochaka. The final squad of 23 players will depart for Spain on Thursday morning for a pre-World Cup training camp.
Among the team members is Marion Serenge, a midfielder from Archbishop Njenga Girls and sister to Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Kevin Amwai. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has agreed to allow the 2024 KCSE candidates on the team to take special exams after the tournament, which runs from November 4 to November 22, 2024.
Other candidates in the squad include Lorine Ilavonga from Wiyeta Girls, Christine Adhiambo from Nyakach Secondary, Velma Awuor from Nyakach Girls, Rebecca Odato from Dagoretti Mixed, and Quinter Adhiambo from St. Alfreda Alara Mixed.
FKF CEO Barry Otieno confirmed plans for at least two friendly matches in Spain against other competitors before heading to the Dominican Republic on October 1. “The Dominican Republic is six hours ahead of Kenya, and arriving early will help the team adjust to the time zone and acclimatize before the kickoff,” he said.
The Junior Starlets made history by becoming the first Kenyan football team to qualify for the World Cup, defeating Burundi to secure their spot. The tournament will take place from October 16 to November 3, 2024. Kenya, making their debut, will start their group stage matches against England on October 18, followed by a match against Korea DPR on October 20, and conclude with a game against Mexico on October 24, 2024.
Kenya will represent Africa alongside Nigeria and Zambia, with Spain as the defending champions in the tournament featuring 16 teams competing for the title.
Final Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor
- Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango
- Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith
- Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.
