Junior Starlets' striker Lornah Faith shields the ball from a Ugandan opponent during their World Cup qualifier match at Nyayo Stadium/ HANDOUTMildred Cheche believes mental strength will be key as Kenya women's national under-17 football team prepares for their decisive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The Junior Starlets held their first training session on Thursday shortly after arriving in South Africa as preparations intensified for the high-stakes encounter that could determine their return to the global stage.
Cheche said her players understand the magnitude of the task ahead and are ready to handle the pressure of playing away from home. “Away matches are always tough for any team, but mental strength is everything. The girls are ready to go out and get a positive result here in South Africa,” said Cheche.
The two-legged tie will decide one of Africa’s four representatives at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for October 17 to November 7 under the expanded 24-team format.
Morocco have already qualified automatically as hosts, leaving four remaining African slots to be determined through the CAF qualifiers. Kenya are chasing a second consecutive appearance at the tournament after making history in 2024 by becoming the first Kenyan side (men or women) to qualify for a FIFA World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
The Junior Starlets remain two matches away from returning to that stage after edging past Uganda in the previous qualifying round.
Kenya advanced on the away-goals rule following a tense two-legged contest that highlighted both their attacking threat and ability to cope under pressure — qualities Cheche will once again demand against a South African side that eliminated Tanzania to reach the final qualifying round.
The Kenyan coach is expected to prioritise discipline and composure in the first leg, knowing a positive result away from home could place her side in a strong position ahead of the return fixture in Nairobi. Midfielder Pauline Sylvia said the squad is fully motivated and eager to deliver in Pretoria.
“We are psyched up, we are hungry, and we want to qualify for the World Cup. We will give our best, and everything we have worked on in training we will show on the pitch,” said Sylvia.
Saturday’s match is expected to provide a stern test for the Junior Starlets against a South African side determined to take control of the tie before the second leg.
However, Kenya will draw confidence from the resilience displayed in the previous round and from the experience within the squad players who understand the demands of World Cup qualification. The return leg is scheduled for July 12 at Nyayo National Stadium, where the aggregate winner will book a place at the Morocco finals.
