President William Ruto has weighed in on the exclusion of three players who were dropped from the Kenya U-17 team that is headed to the World Cup.Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera were notably absent from the list of the players, who made it to coach Mildred Cheche’s team Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, 18 September, in a ceremony to hand over the Kenyan flag to the team, President Ruto said the three will fly to the Dominican Republic, as fans.Mildred Cheche reveals Kenya U17’s advantage ahead of debut FIFA World Cup“I know there are three girls; Sheryl, Claire, and Mitshelle who made a huge contribution towards getting us here and will not be in the team, but I want them to be part of the team that will accompany you to this event as representatives of all the others who participated,” he said. While Mitshelle and Claire were omitted from the final list due to Cheche’s preference, Sheryl’s absence is a result of a knee injury sustained while competing in the East Africa School Games.Junior Starlets’ World Cup squad namedThe head of state also took time to appreciate the technical bench for leading the team in creating history.“I know the coaches have had a difficult moment in preparing the team. Congratulations for doing a wonderful job and making history by being the first team in Kenya to go to a World Cup,” he stated.Esse Akida opens up on challenges, fears encountered in IsraelAdditionally, the President called for care of the girls by the delegation that will accompany the team and assured the team of the country’s support.“All the physios, as well as the officials who will be accompanying the team, look after the girls. Kenya will be watching you. We are a great sporting nation, and sports is something that brings our country together,” he added.The team flew out of the country on Thursday, 19th September, to Spain, where they will camp before heading to the Dominican Republic for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup that will commence on 16th October to 3rd November 2024.
