They made history as the first-ever Kenyan team to play in the FIFA World Cup, gracing the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.On Saturday 8 March, Mildred Cheche’s Junior Starlets embark on another journey for back-to-back appearances at the global competition, when they take on neigbours Uganda in the second round of World Cup Qualifiers.The match is slated for 4 pm at Hamz Stadium (previously Nakivubo Stadium) in Kampala.What will Harambee Stars’ philosophy be under McCarthy?Cheche maintains that her charges are well aware of the task ahead and, despite their achievement, there will be no complacency as they face their hosts.“We tasted that bit of action and we now know what it feels like to play at a World Cup. That feeling has ignited more hunger in us and the girls want to go back there. We have new players who have been called up and they also want to taste the feeling. That combined effort is what is driving and pushing us towards qualification,” coach Cheche told CAFOnline.The tactician adds that, while they have immense respect for the Ugandan team, she is not worried about the challenge they present as she has prepared her squad well.##NAJAVA_MECA_8763451##“Football is a game of 90 minutes, and the team that prepares well gets the three points. We have players from the U15 team who have graduated to the U17 level to fill the gaps left by those who moved up to the U20 team and the team is solid. Looking at the previous game Uganda played against Namibia, it shows they are well organized,” Cheche went on.The tactician has within her ranks some key players from last year’s campaign, led by outgoing skipper Elizabeth Ochaka. Cheche has, however, handed the armband to Halima Imbachi for the second round of qualifiers.“We know that it is a derby match between these two countries. It is a very big day for us and we know it will not be easy. We are ready to go and face Uganda,” Imbachi said ahead of the clash.From selling omena to captaining Kenya 7s: The story of George ‘Japolo’ OoroMeanwhile, Uganda head to the clash buoyed by an 18-1 show against Namibia in the first round (Kenya was given a bye). The side dominated 10-0 in the first round and confirmed their superiority with an 8-1 performance in the return clash.“We had eight days to prepare the team. From what we have done so far, we are confident we can give Kenya a run for their money. They are a formidable team that has previously participated in the World Cup. They bring a lot of experience and skill, so I wouldn’t use the same team that played against Namibia. One of our key areas of focus is to get the win at home,” Uganda head coach Sheryl Botes maintains.Amb. @MaangiJoash MBS, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, paid a courtesy visit to the Junior Starlets this evening, wishing them the best ahead of their first-leg clash against Uganda tomorrow at Nakivubo Stadium. pic.twitter.com/XGDRGgIjd5— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) March 7, 2025
