Junior Starlets ready for Teen Cranes test in Kampala

The Junior Starlets From left - Jenevive Mithel, Lyn Okumu, Lorine Ilavonga, Lindey Weey Atieno during their last training at The Mpesa foundation ahead of FIFA U17 Women's World Cup second-round qualifier against Uganda the host on Saturday. March 5, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya's Junior Starlets will tomorrow lock horns with Uganda's Teen Cranes in the first leg of the second round Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifier match at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, Uganda.

Starlets who made their World Cup debut in the Dominican Republic last year will have everything to fight for as they seek to secure a ticket to the third round of the qualifiers.

A victory in Uganda will move them closer to this year's World Cup set for October 17 to November 8 in Morocco.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche named a final squad with a blend of experienced players who featured for Kenya in the last World Cup and new players who are eager to prove their mettle.

Prolific midfielder Halima Imbachi's leadership skills will be put to the test as she assumes the role of the captain.

Imbachi has been Butere Girls High School captain since last year leading them to the national title and silver medal in the East Africa school games.

Exuding confidence, Cheche who is keen to achieve last year's feat said that her charges are ready for the Uganda challenge.

"The girls are in high spirits; they are feeling motivated and ready for the match. The World Cup feeling is still very much alive and the girls who were in the team last year are challenging the new girls to work harder so they can all play at the World Cup," Cheche said.

Imbachi said that being given the armband comes with a huge responsibility and she is determined to step up and lead Kenya to its second World Cup appearance.

"I don't take it for granted that I have been entrusted to lead the team. It's a role that comes with a huge responsibility, you have to be a good role model and set an example for other players to follow," Imbachi said.

She added that she is glad that she has been tasked to anchor Kenya in this campaign.

"I'm happy because I have to take Kenya to greater heights, our focus now is on getting points away in Uganda and at home. I humbly request Kenyans to support and motivate us just as they did last year. We are their children, we promise to give our best and not let them down."

On their opponents Uganda, Imbachi intimated that they don't expect an easy match but they have been inspired by their coach and community and they are raring to go.

"It is not going to be easy against Uganda because they are a strong side. However, we have been motivated by our coach who believes in our capabilities and a community that is rallying behind us," she said.