Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche will be hoping to write more history when she parades her girls at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda in Kampala on Saturday.
Fresh from making their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance in the Dominican Republic in December 2024, neighbours Uganda stand between them and the final round ticket to the Morocco 2025 tournament.
Cheche, who won one game at the North American country with a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the group stage, will be hoping to secure their slot in Rabat and do better at the biennial tournament.
The girls have been in camp at Kasarani Stadium and Mpesa Academy in Thika for the last three weeks, and Cheche is confident they will get a good away result but expects a tough game against the Ugandans.
“We are expecting a positive result; if we can get three points, that will be and good for us; if we can’t get that, we are pushing for at least one point, because this team always works hard; they are motivated and ready to play every match. We are in high spirits,” Cheche said.
Cheche maintained that a few eligible players played in the World Cup last year, including; goalkeeper Velma Abwire, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Joan Ogola and Lindy Weey Atien. However, midfielder Halima Imbachi took over the armband from Elizabeth Ochaka as coach Cheche changed leadership roles within the team.
Imbachi says they have to work hard to reach the next stage and make the country proud.
“It is such a huge honour to be given this role as captain and it means the team trusts me. My job is to guide the team, especially the new players as we head to Uganda to ensure that we start with a win," Imbachi said.
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche during their last training session at Mpesa Academy, Thika/HANDOUT
The reverse fixture against the Teen Cranes takes place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Nairobi.
The 9th edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will be played between October 17 and November 8 in Rabat, Morocco.
