Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche believes her
selection to the FIFA Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Programme will spark
long-term transformation in Kenya’s women’s football coaching landscape.
Cheche, who is currently in Zurich, Switzerland, for the
mentorship initiative, said the programme will not only sharpen her skills but
also influence how she develops young talent back home.
She said, “This opportunity enhances the skill sets of
mentors and mentees and fosters a culture of continuous learning and
improvement."
The FIFA programme provides a structured platform for
experienced coaches to share knowledge with rising professionals. In addition,
it encourages the transfer of best practices, tactical insights and modern
strategies critical for success at the highest level of the game.
The former Harambee Starlets and Mathare United professional
made history in 2024 by guiding the Kenya U17 girls' team, the Junior Starlets,
to their first-ever qualification for the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup.
Under her leadership, the team also earned national acclaim
by being named 2024 Women’s Sports Team of the Year at the SOYA Awards, while
Cheche herself walked away with the coveted Coach of the Year title.
She was also named the 2025 Betika/Sports Journalists
Association of Kenya) Coach-of-the-Month for March 2025.
“It’s a privilege to be selected and be part of this FIFA
programme. I’m grateful to FIFA and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for
supporting the growth of upcoming women coaches,” said Cheche.
With women’s football gaining visibility on both the
continental and global stage, Cheche said she believes mentorship opportunities
like this will help close the gap in coaching standards between Africa and
other footballing powerhouses. “The more we expose our local coaches to global
platforms, the more prepared we become to develop world-class talent locally.”
Cheche noted that her exposure in Zurich is already
influencing her coaching and sees the global mentorship program as a
game-changer for Kenya’s women coaches. “It’s not just about tactics, it’s how
we teach, how we relate with players, and how we evolve. This program is
helping me reflect on that.”
