The national Under-17 team, Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche said qualifying for a first World Cup ‘is a big deal.’
The Junior Starlets made history after beating Burundi 5-0 over a two-legged final qualifier to qualify for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October and November.
“This is a big moment for the players, our technical bench, FKF and the country at large,” Cheche said.
“On a personal level, it’s a blessing indeed. As a team, we are motivated to do better. It’s a big deal for us.”
Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa produced the goals.
“Programmes like Chapa Dimba and Talanta Hela have allowed players to emerge and develop and the results speak for themselves,” Cheche added.
“We will plan better on how to compete against the biggest teams in the world.”
And with most of the players still in school, Cheche explained: “We will work with the Ministry of Education to ensure they balance their academics and sit for exams while competing at the World Cup.
Junior Starlets dominated Burundi 3-0 in the first-leg encounter at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa after goals from Lornah Faith, Marion Serenge and substitute Susan Okoth.
Cheche said they were well prepared for the two encounters.
“Mentally, it was a smooth sailing. We have bonding sessions where players sing and motivate each other,” Cheche said, adding: “With proper structures and support, we will have teams participating at this level consistently.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba led Kenyans in cheering on the Junior Starlets with Ulinzi Complex unable to accommodate the multitude that flocked Lang’ata Road.
He was joined by FKF president Nick Mwendwa, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh.
They were among the fans who donned Kenyan colours, cheering and waving the national flag, creating a sea of enthusiasm.
Outside the gates, a scene of disappointment unfolded as some fans were locked out of the Kenya Defence Forces facility for security reasons.
Despite their pleas, the imposing presence of military personnel signalled a missed opportunity for the devoted supporters to witness the action first-hand.
Former FKF president Sam Nyamweya lauded the Junior Starlets for their impressive display of talent.
He said: “As a pioneer leader in the history of women’s football that I introduced during my tenure as football president, I look back with profound gratitude. The dream and mentorship that I had envisioned are bearing fruit.”
