Kenya’s journey to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 is about to begin, and head coach Jackline Juma has named her provisional squad for the second round of the qualifiers.
Having earned a bye in the first round, Kenya will face Ethiopia in their opening assignment of the campaign. The two-legged tie kicks off in Ethiopia between September 19–21, 2025, with the return leg set for Nairobi between September 26–28, 2025.
The winner of the clash will progress to the third round, where either Tanzania or Angola await in February 2026.
Rising Starlets’ team camp and selection process
The build-up to the qualifiers will feature two mini training camps, designed to help the technical bench trim the provisional list into a final squad. The first group of players continue to report to camp this week, while a second batch of 30 players is expected to join next week.
From these two groups, Head Coach Jackline Juma and her staff will make final selections based on performance, fitness, and tactical suitability ahead of the Ethiopia clash.
Coach Jackie’s initial call-up already showcases a balance of youthful promise and seasoned experience.
Notably, several players from the Junior Starlets U17 squad, who featured in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, have been promoted. Among them are:
Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa and Lornah Faith.
Adding steel and composure to the side are experienced campaigners such as Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva.
Rising Starlets’ Provisional Squad
- Goalkeepers
Velma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Adhiambo (Kobala), Christine Adhiambo (Butere), Ephy Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Ezra Nekesa (St. Joseph’s, Kitale)
- Defenders
Christine Asule (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Ariana Wanjiku (Melvins Lion Academy), Florence Kalekye (Kangundo Starlets), Saumu Chizi (Changamwe Ladies), Molvine Owuor (Kayole Starlets), Valary Oyugi (Azidi Academy)
- Midfielders
Naomi Ongachi (Dagoreti Mixed), Leah Sicheti (Langalanga Secondary), Beverlyn Awuor (Mathare Women), Velma Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Rebecca Odato (Kenya Police Bullets), Halima Imbachi (Butere), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Velma Kavesh (Zetech Sparks), Anastasia Munyiva (Charles Muli, Matuu)
- Attackers
Brenda Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (Bishop Njenga), Roseline Mbeyu (Changamwe Ladies), Beffine Shalley (Kobala), Khadija Furaha (Kobala), Marion Serenge (Zetech Sparks), Valarie Nekesa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lornah Faith (Butere), Jerrine Adhiambo (Mathare Women), Brenda Achieng (Madira Soccer Assassins), Mitshel Waithera (Mathare Women)
Rising Starlets’ Technical Bench
- Head Coach: Jackline Juma
- First Assistant Coach: Mildred Cheche
- Second Assistant Coach: Charles Bruno
- Team Manager: Gloria Mwende
