The U17 girls representing Kenya in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup have all the reasons to smile after the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) announced that they will not be forced to choose between their academic obligations and their matches.The global tournament which is primed for Wednesday 16 October to Sunday 3 November in the Dominican Republic will collide directly with the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.The council confirmed that special arrangements will be made to accommodate the players, ensuring they can focus on both their exams and the tournament without the pressure of prioritizing one over the other.Manchester United star Andre Onana scared of Harambee Stars ahead of October AFCON qualifiersSpeaking during a meeting with the girls and the officials on Thursday, KNEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Njengere assured that the decision would allow the girls to pursue their dreams on the global stage while maintaining academic progress.“We are here to encourage our girls to tell them we are behind them and we are rooting for them. They do not have to make a choice between games and the historic tournament. KNEC will ensure that none of them is jeopardized. They will do both,” Njengere told Mozzart Sport.But how practical is it?Typically, the KCSE exams begin with practicals before progressing to the theory papers, and for most of the students in the U17 women’s team, this schedule works in their favour.##NAJAVA_MECA_8325941##They are expected to complete their practical exams before departing for the Dominican Republic. After representing Kenya on the global stage, they will return home immediately to sit for the theory part of their exams.“Several candidates have done practical projects. So far, five have already completed the agriculture project. After the World Cup, they will fly back immediately and begin the theory. For those who miss other practicals, we will organize how they will be done. There will be no different or special grading,” Njengere clarified.REVEALED: Millions owed to Harambee Stars coach in salary arrearsHe went ahead to wish them all the best, noting that the entire council was rallying behind them.“We wish them all the best. We assure that we are behind them,” he concluded.His sentiments were echoed by Secretary of Administration Department of Sports Evans Achoki who was confident that the girls would excel on the global stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8325968##“We are very proud of them. We wish them all the best. As a Ministry, we have facilitated and supported them fully. We are hopeful that they will do well because they have our support. We believe they will make history and reach the final. They should not worry about the examination. we have made arrangements,” Achoki noted.On her side, the team’s head coach Mildred Cheche lauded the move from KNEC, noting that it would better their performance in both the tournament and their exams.Kenya placed in Pool A of AFCON U20 qualifiers“It is a relief. They do not have to worry about it. At least they feel supported by the government. Now they train and study for their exams. When on the ground, they sharpen their football skills, but when not training, they study,” Cheche said.The team’s camp in Spain will commence on Thursday 19 September.
