Cheche names final Junior Starlets squad to face Burundi in FIFA U17 World Cup qualifier

The Kenya U17 national team, Junior Starlets, head coach Mildred Cheche.IMAGE/FKF

Cheche names final Junior Starlets squad to face Burundi in FIFA U17 World Cup qualifier

Festus Chuma 14:50 - 07.06.2024

Kenya's U17 women's team, coached by Mildred Cheche, is set to face Burundi in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has named a 23-player squad for the crucial first leg of the FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi.

The match, set to be played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, will be a significant test for the young Kenyan team aiming for a spot in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The roster is a blend of experienced players and promising talents drawn from schools and clubs across the country.

Among the notable inclusions is Valerie Nekesa, the formidable striker from Madira Assassins, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the Junior Starlets' quest for a spot in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

The squad's composition reflects a strategic blend of expertise and youthful enthusiasm, designed to maximize the team's performance on an international stage.

"The opportunity to qualify for the World Cup is immense for our careers. The scouting opportunities are immense, and it will be a game-changer for both my life and my family," shared midfielder Halima Imbachi.

Defender Lorine Illayonga, another key figure in the lineup, conveyed the team's resolve and unity.

"Representing the Kenyan flag means everything to us. The team is completely focused on this final match against Burundi; it's all we talk about, and we are all aligned on the focus of having a positive result," Illayonga stated.

The travel details for the team are meticulously planned, with departure set for Ethiopia on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 6 pm.

After the first leg, the team will return to Kenya on June 10, 2024, to prepare for the decisive second leg scheduled for June 16, 2024.

The aggregate winner from the two legs will secure an automatic qualification to the prestigious tournament in October.

Travelling Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ephy Awuor, Scovia Awuor, Velma Auma

Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Claire Meries, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Sheryl Atieno

Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lorna Faith, Lindey Weey Atieno

Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Diana Onyang, Joan Ogola, Mitshel Waithera

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