Harambee Starlets during a past match/ FILE
Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has congratulated the Junior Starlets after they sealed a second successive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, while urging the current federation leadership to put its house in order ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Kenya booked their place at the global showpiece after defeating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate in the final qualification round, underlining the steady rise of girls' football in the country.
In a statement on Monday, Nyamweya described the achievement as proof that years of investment in women's football are beginning to bear fruit.
"I join other Kenyan football lovers in congratulating the national Under-17 girls' team for qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Morocco. By beating South Africa 5-1 on aggregate, the girls showed true class and reflected the level to which girls' football has grown," he said.
Nyamweya linked the achievement to reforms initiated during his tenure as FKF president between 2011 and 2016, saying the federation deliberately invested in grassroots structures to nurture female talent.
"I once said girls' football would take Kenya to the World Cup and it has come to pass, not once but now twice in succession. It was a project we set out to achieve in 2013 by empowering girls' football through grassroots structures.
More than a decade later, the fruits are now being enjoyed and I take pride in being part of that journey," he added.
However, the former football boss warned that qualification alone should not be the end goal.
He called for adequate preparation and support to enable the Mildred Cheche-coached side to compete strongly in Morocco.
"We must go to the World Cup not as mere participants but as potential champions," Nyamweya said.
He also took the opportunity to criticise the current state of football administration, claiming divisions within FKF could undermine the team's preparations.
"Sadly, the federation is disunited and dysfunctional. We urge FKF president Hussein Mohammed to move with speed and put his house in order. Otherwise, the success of these young girls will count for nothing," he said.
Nyamweya joined a growing list of leaders who have celebrated the Starlets' achievement.
President William Ruto led the tributes on social media, praising the team for making the nation proud and assuring them of the country's support as they prepare for the World Cup.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya also congratulated the players and technical bench, describing the qualification as a landmark moment for Kenyan football and a demonstration of the country's growing strength in women's football.
FKF president Hussein Mohammed hailed the players' resilience and fighting spirit, saying the federation would work to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the tournament.
The Junior Starlets will now turn their attention to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco later this year, where they will be seeking to improve on Kenya's maiden appearance at the global tournament in 2024.
