The Junior Starlets players have every reason to smile after their qualification for the 2024 Under-17 World Cup on Sunday was handsomely rewarded with a token of Ksh. 10 million from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.The Starlets became the first-ever Kenyan football team to qualify for a world football tournament, after beating Burundi 2-0 in the return leg staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. On aggregate, they beat Burundi 5-0.##NAJAVA_MECA_8161482##In the previous round, they defeated Ethiopia 3-0 on aggregate. They become the third and final team from Africa to qualify, after Zambia and Nigeria.Their journey to the World Cup saw them get a bye in the second round before overcoming Ethiopia and Burundi in the third and fourth rounds respectively. They scored eight goals in the qualifiers and conceded none.On Sunday, they made a packed Ulinzi Complex and the entire country proud by beating Burundi 2-0. Their efforts did not go in vain as an elated CS Ababu Namwamba handed the team a cheque of KES 10 million, the largest amount a single team has received in many years.“It is my honour to announce a reward of ten million Kenya shillings for the junior starlets,” the CS announced at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday night during the Starlets’ celebratory dinner.’Junior Starlets World Cup qualification a result of consistent work’ – Nick MwendwaThe party was attended by Stars players, their parents, ministry staff, FKF, the media, and other sports stakeholders. Soon after announcing the donation, the CS further disclosed that the minimum each triumphant player would be taking home was KES 300,000. With all the players being underage, the money will be channeled to their parents and schools.“Out of this ten million, each player is guaranteed a minimum of 300,000 Kenya shillings,” he added.He further urged the youngsters to focus on education, saying the funds will help clear arrears for those who owe their respective schools. “Those with school fee arrears will have those arrears cleared. For those planning to go to college, like our captain (Elizabeth Ochaka), we will support you to go to college and we encourage you to pursue your education.”The 2024 U17 Women’s World Cup will be played in the Dominican Republic between October 16 and November 3, 2024.’A blessing from God’: Coach Cheche reflects on Junior Starlets historic World Cup qualification
