Junior Starlets preparations in top gear ahead of Uganda trip

Junior Starlets midfielder Halima Imbachi (right) in action during a friendly match against FKF WPL Kibera Soccer Women at Kasarani Annex on February 24, 2025. [FKF Media]

After making history last year, Junior Starlets players are determined to secure their return the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup.

Having made their debut in the Dominican Republic, the youngsters are keen to secure their ticket to this year's contest set for Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Under the tutelage of coach Mildred Cheche, Starlets are currently in camp ahead of their 2025 Under-17 World Cup qualifier against Uganda.

Starlets will clash with neighbours Uganda in the second round of the qualifiers having received a bye in the first round. The first leg is set for March 8 in Kampala while the second leg will be played on Nairobi on March 16.

Cheche currently has 32 players in camp among them 10 who are from last year's World Cup squad.

Midfielder Halima Imbachi said that they have to be at their best because Kenyans expect them to qualify for the global event.

"We must push ourselves because we set the standards and now Kenyans expect us to maintain it. We are determined to return to the World Cup," Imbachi said.

Imbachi, who captained Butere Girls to the national title and East Africa final, is among the players who are looking to make their second appearance at the global extravaganza.

Others are forwards Quinter Adhiambo, Joan Ogola and Joy Angela Valencia, midfielders Lindey Weey Atieno and Brenda Awuor, goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor and defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel

Defender Judith Okumu underscored the need to remain focused and not to underrate their opponents.

"We must have the right mindset because we can't assume that we will beat Uganda easily because they are our fellow East Africans. It will be a very tough match and we must work harder," Okumu said.

Starlets edged out FKF Women Premier League side Kibera Soccer Women 1-0 in a friendly match played at Kasarani Annex on Monday. [Elizabeth Mburugu]