The national football girls’ under-17 team captain, Halima Imbachi, has sent a passionate message to Kenyans ahead of the team’s first leg match against their Ugandan counterparts.The two teams are set to lock horns on Saturday, 8 March, in Uganda for the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier before meeting again on Sunday, 16 March 2025, in Nairobi for the second leg.Benni McCarthy’s tactical revolution: Can he break Kenya’s World Cup ‘curse’ ?Speaking at the team’s final training session before leaving for Uganda, Imbachi called on Kenyans to rally behind the team, noting that they will aim to make Kenyans proud.“I want to ask Kenyans to support and motivate us. We are their children, and we promise not to let them down,” said Imbachi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8754811##Imbachi disclosed that the team is well prepared to come from Uganda with a victory.“We know Uganda is not an easy team, but from the coach’s motivation and the community, we are aware the support is good enough to make us get a win.”Cheche confident in Kenya U17’s mission in UgandaAdditionally, the midfielder noted that they are well aware of their predecessor’s last achievement, and they are looking at nothing short of a World Cup qualification.“We are working hard and motivated knowing that the last lot took Kenya to the World Cup, and that is what we must aim to achieve also,” she noted.##NAJAVA_MECA_8754796##The captain’s sentiments were backed by her midfield partner, Mwakombo Bakari, who noted that everyone in the team is confident of an away victory.“In this away match, we are going to pick three points. From the coaches, officials and players, everyone is in agreement and confident that we are coming back with the three points,” she said.Esse Akida: I am not done yetBakari also took time to express her confidence in replicating Kenya’s achievements in 2024 when they made their FIFA Under-17 World Cup debut in the tourney held in the Dominican Republic.“I want to assure all Kenyans that we are going to the World Cup for the second time,” she remarked.##NAJAVA_MECA_8754805##The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from Friday, 17 October 2025, to Saturday, 8 November 2025, which will be the first time the tournament is hosted in Africa.
