Kenya U-17 football national team head coach Mildred Cheche has named her final 23-player squad to represent the country in the first-round clash against Namibia in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Cheche has retained the core of the squad that has been part of the team’s previous qualifying campaigns, highlighting the continuity and cohesion within the side as they seek to build on previous experience.
Which Junior Starlets players did coach Cheche retain?
Among those retained from earlier U-17 squads are Lindey Weey, Brenda Awuor, Mwanakombo Bakari, Grace Mumo, Faith Boke, Brenda Achieng and Fleviah Khatenje. Their experience at this level is expected to provide stability and leadership within the squad.
Bevarline Awuor also earned a place after recently featuring in the U-20 squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia.
Tabitha Wambui returns to the national team set-up after progressing from the U-15 ranks. This is a clear indication of the pathway that has been created for emerging talent within the national teams.
Bevarline Awuor has been named team captain for the tie, while Brenda Awuor will serve as her deputy.
The squad reflects a deliberate selection process, with the technical bench prioritising players who can execute the game plan effectively.
“Key factors for selection were heavily based on the technical and tactical ability. This is a more aggressive team because of the players we’ve recruited, so most of them are hungry to perform and win the match,” said coach Cheche
The Junior Starlets head into the fixture with a clear objective: secure a positive result and lay a strong foundation for the rest of the campaign. The team has intensified preparations through training sessions as well as friendly matches against leading FKF Women’s Premier League sides, with the focus now shifting to delivering when it matters most.
As the team prepares to take on Namibia, attention will be on how this carefully selected squad rises to the challenge and also begins its quest for another appearance on the continental stage.
Fixtures
- Namibia vs Kenya | April 12 | Windhoek Unam Stadium
- Kenya vs Namibia | April 18 | Ulinzi Sports Complex
Junior Starlets final squad for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
- Goalkeepers
Mitshel Ng’ono, Martha Wekhomba, Vallary Achieng.
- Defenders
Pauline Namisi, Sheila Atieno, Faith Boke, Idah Matara, Grace Mumo, Rose Nangila, Brenda Awuor.
- Midfielders
Bevarline Awuor, Gaudancia Maloba, Mwanakombo Bakari, Lindey Weey Atieno, Beryl Awuor, Fleviah Khatenje, Noela Akuku.
- Forwards
Brenda Achieng, Patience Waithera, Emilly Adhiambo, Elizabeth Alizeba, Ivy Atieno, Tabitha Wambui.
