Kenyan football teenage sensation Marion Serenge is hoping to use the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup to realise her European dream.The quadrennial extravaganza is set to take place from Wednesday 16 October to Sunday 3 November in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.Serenge is among the final 23 players who will don the national colours at this prestigious global event.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361361##The player expressed her excitement, highlighting the potential career breakthrough that the tournament could offer.”It’s a very nice opportunity for me to land a club in Europe, which has been my dream. Many scouts will watch us play, and I will give it my all. As a team, we are very much focused, and we are aiming to reach the semifinal,” she stated.Her father, Fred Serenge, who also doubles as her coach, shared his pride and optimism for his daughter’s future.Why Ulinzi Stars allows players to go for KDF training while in season”This is a big inspiration to me as a parent and coach. I believe my daughter will do a wonderful job in the Dominican Republic and land a club in Europe. I will be happier seeing her going professional, and it will act as a big boost to her career,” Serenge offered.Coach Serenge, who doubles up as the chairman of Archbishop Njenga, was the man behind the wheel as the Kenya Under-18 girls’ team claimed second place in the International Schools Federation (ISF) Football World Cup in China back in May.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361381##During his heyday, Serenge senior played for celebrated clubs like Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, and the national team. His siblings are also household names in the Kenyan sporting arena.They include Maurice Serenge (Mumias Sugar), Joe Serenge (Kisumu Breweries), Festus Serenge (Rivatex and Kenya Breweries), Anthony Serenge (Motcom), and Zedrick Serenge (Nakuru All Stars).Also on the long list is Judy Serenge (volleyball for Kenya Pipeline and the national team, and several World Cup and Olympic appearances), Jackline Serenge (played for the school and national team Starlets and Western combined team), and Patrick Serenge (goalkeeper for Kakamega Municipal and KEFINCO).Kenyan midfielder abused on live TV after feisty derby in GermanyThe Junior Starlets are leaving no stone unturned in fine-tuning their tactics ahead of the competition.As part of their preparations, the team will face Valencia CF Women on Wednesday 25 September followed by a fixture against Portugal on Friday 27 September, before wrapping up their friendlies with a match against Intercity on Monday 30 September.These encounters will be crucial for the team’s preparation as they aim to build match sharpness and gain valuable experience ahead of their World Cup debut.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361346##Tough Group DrawThey will open their group-stage campaign against England on Friday 18 October, followed by a clash with Korea DPR on Sunday 20 October, before finishing off their group matches against Mexico on Thursday 24 October.The team’s heroic qualification for the tournament came after a stunning 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in their final qualification match, showcasing their determination and skill.
