FIFA U17 World Cup: Junior Starlets announce preliminary squad for historic Dominican Republic debut

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

FIFA U17 World Cup: Junior Starlets announce preliminary squad for historic Dominican Republic debut

Festus Chuma 10:30 - 23.08.2024

For their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Kenya's Junior Starlets have announced a 35-player preliminary squad for historic debut.

Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has named a 35-player preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16th to November 3rd, 2024.

Kenya are set to face a challenging group stage, starting their World Cup campaign against England on October 18th, followed by a tough encounter with Korea DPR on October 20th, and concluding their group stage fixtures with a game against Mexico on October 24th.

The selected players are expected to report to camp on Saturday, August 24th where they will undergo an intensive 17-day training regimen.

Following this initial phase, the team will travel to Spain on September 10th for an extended training period, which will serve as the final preparation before they depart for the Dominican Republic on October 4th.

The squad features a mix of talent from various schools and clubs across Kenya, reflecting the depth and diversity of young female football talent in the country.

Velma Auma from Wiyeta Secondary School, Ephy Awuor from Madira Girls, Scovia Awuor from Kobala Secondary School, and Elizabeth Munyanya from Kilimo Girls High School are the three goalkeepers in the squad.

In defense, Elizebeth Ochaka of Kenya Police Bullets, Claire Meris of Kobala Secondary School, Lorine Ilavonga from Wiyeta Secondary School, and Valerie Wanjiru Oyugi from Ligi Ndogo have been retained in the squad.

The midfield has versatile players like Velma Awuor from Nyakach Girls Secondary, Brenda Awuor from Madira Girls, and Halima Imbachi from Butere Girls Secondary.

Other notable names in the squad include Abiagel Nelima from St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale, Lorna Faith from Butere Girls, and Lilian Mueni from St. Bridgit Syomunyu Girls.

Junior Starlets earned their spot at the World Cup in June after a dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the fourth and final round of qualification.

Provisional Squad

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.)