Kenya U17 Women’s team – Junior Starlets started their week wearing smiles that masked the exhaustion that had begun to take a toll on them. The team was hosted to a once-in-a-lifetime dinner by Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba following their victory on Sunday.They made history as the first-ever Kenyan team to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup slated for Wednesday 16 October to Sunday 3 November, 2024.This is after defeating fellow East African rivals Burundi in the final round of qualifiers played at a packed Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on Sunday.RECORD BREAKERS! Junior Starlets seal historic place at FIFA U17 World CupThe youngsters, carrying with them the hopes and expectations of an entire nation, came into the second leg with a healthy 3-0 lead, and they made sure to stamp their place in a destination never treaded upon by a Kenyan football side before, seeing off their opponents 2-0 to make it a 5-0 annihilation on aggregate.After the victory, it was time to celebrate. The air at one of the Nairobi hotels was filled with laughter and music as friends, fans, players, parents, and officials all gathered ready to celebrate the history-makers.Among the notable names present were CS Namwamba, Burundi ambassador to Kenya Ms Ntahonkuriye Emmernece, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) CEO Doreen Odhiambo, FKF President Nick Mwendwa, and Sports Fund CEO Ibrahim Nur among others.It is a pleasure to cheer and support you. An honour to reward you with Kshs 10 million in recognition of your historic achievement of getting to the very summit. The first Kenyan team ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup at any level. You have made our country proud, and… pic.twitter.com/XenQI8WtGu— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) June 17, 2024 The celebration was colorful as a lively band electrified the atmosphere, playing music that swept the attendees up in a festive mood. The infectious rhythms and energetic melodies perfectly matched the jubilant occasion of the Starlets’ qualification.Attendees were also treated to an array of mouthwatering delicacies, ensuring everyone was satisfied and ready to start the night on a high note.The CS then took to the stage to address the guests. He was delighted that the girls were reaping the fruits of their hard work. He credited their success to meticulous and sound planning, noting that the talents were identified from the grassroots level, and nurtured to conquer the global stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8161482##He was also pleased with the level of development in girls’ football in the country. The Talanta Hela U19 Football team claimed second position in the Costa Daurada Cup while the U18 team conquered the International Sports Federation (ISF) Football World Cup to clinch silver, and now the U17 team qualified for the World Cup.“First, I want to congratulate our girls. You have made us proud. Most of them are products of the Talanta Hela is a revolutionary pipeline which starts from the school’s ecosystem. The Ministry through sports fund funds sporting, music, drama in a bid to grow talents and turn them into drivers of the economy. Schools are a key factor in this endeavor. For now, we celebrate the win, then plan on how the girls will head to a three-week training camp ahead of the global challenge,” he offered amidst the applause.’Junior Starlets World Cup qualification a result of consistent work’ – Nick MwendwaOn his side, FKF President Mwendwa lauded the girls for the job well done, assuring them of the federation’s support as they prepared for the global stage. He also thanked the CS for his unwavering support to the girls, noting that they never lacked a thing while in the camp.“Our girls, you have made us proud. Congratulations to you. You are unstoppable and I believe that you will carry the same spirit and energy to the World Cup. To the CS, thank you for supporting these girls since the journey began. It has not been an easy journey but you walked it with us,” Mwendwa offered amidst the applause.Following that, the Starlets were presented with a Ksh10 million cheque for the milestone.Celebrations then hit crescendo as the attendees poured to the stage to celebrate with dances and isukuti (traditional celebratory dance).
