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President Ruto has called for the inclusion of the three girls who were left out of the final Junior Stars squad named for the U-17 Women's World Cup set to take place in the Dominican Republic to be part of the delegation as support.
President William Ruto has addressed the exclusion of three young footballers from the final Junior Starlets squad set to participate in the U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic this October.
The President made the remarks during the official flagging off of the squad, which is scheduled to leave for a training camp in Spain on Thursday.
Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera, two of the players left out, expressed their disappointment after missing out on the squad, which will prepare for the tournament in Spain ahead of the World Cup. Another notable absentee is Sheryl Amuok, who sustained a knee injury during the East Africa School Games.
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21:00 - 18.09.2024
Pomp and colour as President Ruto officially flags off Junior Stars to historic U-17 World Cup
The 23-member squad, set to leave on Thursday, September 19, 2024 and will be accompanied by eight officials as they prepare for the highly anticipated tournament.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) explained the rationale behind their selection process, noting the need to prioritise form and tactical balance.
"12 players, including Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera, have not been selected for the final roster. Despite their significant contributions during the World Cup qualifiers, the coaching staff felt it was essential to prioritise a balance of fitness, form, and tactical alignment to ensure the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead," the FKF stated.
On Amuok’s exclusion, they added, "Sheryl Amuok is another notable absentee from the squad, having sustained a knee injury during the East Africa School Games. Despite not making the final roster, these players remain key figures in the programme, and their commitment has played an essential role in the team’s journey to this point."
In his address, President Ruto called for the inclusion of the three players in the delegation accompanying the team to the tournament.
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06:05 - 24.06.2024
A look into Junior Starlets' opponents for the upcoming U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup: What should they expect?
Kenya have been grouped in group C of the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup alongside Mexico, South Korea and England. This is what you need to know about the three teams:
“I know there are three girls, Sheryl, Claire, and Mitshelle, who made a huge contribution towards getting us here and will not be in the team, but I want them to be part of the team that will accompany you to this event as representatives of all the others who participated,” Ruto remarked during his speech at State House.
Congratulating the squad for their historic achievement, Ruto acknowledged the challenges faced by the coaching staff in finalising the team.
"I know the coaches have had a difficult moment. Congratulations for doing a wonderful job and making history by being the first team in Kenya to go to a World Cup," he said.
The President also had words of encouragement for the support staff, urging them to ensure the well-being of the players.
"All the physios, as well as the officials who will be accompanying the team, look after the girls. Kenya will be watching you. We are a great sporting nation, and sports is something that brings our country together," he concluded.
The 23-player squad will embark on their World Cup campaign on October 18, beginning with a group stage match against England. They will face South Korea two days later, before their final group fixture against Mexico on October 24.
The World Cup, set to take place from 16th October to 3rd November, marks a historic milestone for Kenya’s women’s football as the Junior Starlets make their debut on the global stage.
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13:12 - 18.09.2024
Tyron Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet & Amos Wanjala headline Kenya’s squad for AFCON U20 qualifiers
Salim Babu has picked several familiar faces from the side that reached the finals of the CECAFA U18 Championships last year in his provisional squad for the AFCON U20 qualifiers.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor
Defenders
Elizebeth 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, Nancy Anyango (Nyakach Girls), Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.
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