- The Junior Starlets depart today and are expected back on Saturday.
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Cheche emphasised the team's readiness both physically and mentally, attributing it to their participation in local tournaments.
Image: HANDOUT
Kenya women's Under-17 national team will face Ethiopia in the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers this Friday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Head coach Mildred Cheche said the team is currently in high spirits and raring to go. “ We have had good training right from Day One."
She said the players have been training together for a while now and have gelled ahead of the event.
She said: "Both Ethiopia and Kenya have massive talent and we expect a competitive encounter.”
The Junior Starlets depart today and are expected back on Saturday.
They are up for the two-legged second-round fixtures, with the home match scheduled for Sunday (May 19) at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Assistant captain Elizabeth Ochaka echoed Cheche's sentiments, affirming: “The training has been good since we got to the camp. The players have exercised a high level of discipline and are ready for the match."
She, however, said that they can afford to underrate their opponents, but were hoping to put their best foot forward.
Cheche emphasised the team's readiness both physically and mentally, attributing it to their participation in local tournaments.
“The girls came in ready, having previously been active in different tournaments like Talanta Hela and Chapa Dimba. This was a value addition to our preparations.”
The 30-member provisional squad, composed mainly of high school players, has been in a residential camp for the last 10 days.
Notable among them is Madira Girls' Valerie Nekesa, who has showcased her talent both internationally and domestically.
Nekesa, a prolific forward, made headlines with a hat-trick against Angola in the Rising Starlets U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers last year.
The winner on aggregate from the two legs will proceed to the third round.
Provisional squad—Goalkeepers: Ephy Awuor, Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor and Mitchelle Achieng; Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Claire Meris, Lorine Ilavonga, Brenda Nechesa, Genevieve Mitchel, Christine Adhiambo, Judith Nandwa, Kimberly Akinyi, Dorcas Glenda, Hilder Natecho and Rose Nangila; Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lorna Faith, and Lindi Weey and Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joy Angela, Marion Musanga, Quinter Adhiambo, Sylvia Mukai, Sheryl Amuok, Diana Anyango, Patience Kasichana, and Peruce Elizabeth.