Barely days after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the appointment of Mildred Cheche as the new head coach of the Junior Starlets, the U17 women’s national team, the provisional squad for the qualifiers has been released.
Junior Starlets are set for the upcoming two-legged qualification round against DR Congo, as Kenya seeks to make a maiden appearance in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The matches have been scheduled for home and away, with the first leg starting in DR Congo on Sunday, February 4, 2024, followed by the second leg at home in Nairobi on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
With coach Mildred Cheche being assisted by Ann Aluoch, the dynamic duo will be looked upon for the historic achievement, with their first assignment being to bring a combination of wealthy expertise to the talented Junior Starlets.
The two tacticians, both boasting of CAF B licenses, have called up 30 players who will join the camp on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The winner of the tie-on aggregate will proceed to the third round.
In addition to her new role, coach Mildred Cheche currently serves as the assistant coach for the senior women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, as well as the Rising Starlets. Ann Aluoch also currently holds the position of assistant coach for the U15 women’s national team.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 will take place in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 3 November. A total of three teams from the AFC, three from CAF, three from CONMEBOL, three from UEFA, two from Concacaf (plus the host Dominican Republic), and one from the OFC will take part in the tournament.
With the African U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament having only three slots, Junior Starlets will have to ensure they win and qualify in the four rounds which will be held between 8th December 2023 and 16th June 2024.
#JuniorStarlets Provisional Squad set to take on DR Congo💪
More roster info ≫ https://t.co/GwfmSIKzEz pic.twitter.com/gdN1V2SiQl
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) January 23, 2024
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Velma Abwire (Wiyeta Sec.Sch.), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.), Effie Awuor (Madira Girls), Esther Akumu (Kibaoni Sec.)
Defenders
Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Elizebeth Ochaka (Shiraha Starlets), Clare Meries (Kobala Sec. Sch), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Rose Nangila (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls Sec.), Vivian Amondi (Dr. Charles Sec. Inyanzi), Judith Nandwa (Butere Girls), Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls)
Midfielders
Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed), Shani Stacy Shemaiah (Shree Cutch Sastsang), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Bridgit Maria (Wiyeta Sec. Sch), Sheila Akinyi (Kariobangi North Sec.), Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls), JoyAngela Valencia (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior High School), Diana Anyango (Butere Girls), Winnie Wangeci (Dadstar), Catherine Wambui (Madira Girls), Patience Kasichana (Uweza Women), Marvelous Joy (Ogande Girls), Marion Serenge (Arch Bishop Njenga)
