Coach Mildred Cheche has unveiled a 51-player provisional squad for the Junior Starlets ahead of their crucial 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda in March.The squad includes several players from the 2024 World Cup campaign, such as goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor, and defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel.Others making a return to the team are midfielders Lindey Weey, Halima Imbachi, and Brenda Awuor, as well as forwards Joy Valencia, Joan Ogola, and Quinter Adhiambo, among others.##NAJAVA_MECA_8691967##While the squad boasts incredible talent, Cheche is faced with the challenge of rebuilding the team after several key players who featured in the last World Cup campaign have since moved on.The likes of Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and Diana Anyango are now part of the U20 national team, meaning the Junior Starlets will have to rely on a fresh set of young players to navigate the qualifiers.Cheche, however, remains optimistic despite the tough road ahead.“The squad that qualified for the last U17 World Cup has largely moved on, with players like Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and Diana Anyango now part of the U20 team. This makes the challenge even tougher, but it’s achievable. Uganda is a strong side, already match-fit from playing in the first round, and if we get past them, an even bigger test awaits us against Cameroon. To prepare, we will play a couple of friendlies against local sides. Our goal remains clear – to qualify for the U17 World Cup, and we will give our all to make it happen.” said Coach Cheche.Muluya welcomes Imbali’s exit, sees opportunity for young Sharks talentsThe Junior Starlets will begin their training camp this week, with friendly matches lined up to ensure the team is well-prepared for the Uganda test.Uganda, having already played in the first round of the qualifiers, will come into the match with an advantage in terms of match fitness.However, Kenya’s young talents have a history of rising to the occasion, and with proper preparation, they will be aiming to advance past Uganda and set up a decisive clash against Cameroon for a ticket to the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_50686##The tie will be contested over two legs, with the first match scheduled between March 7 and 9, 2025, and the return leg set for March 14 to 16, 2025.Goalkeepers: Velma Auma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary), Mitchelle Achieng (Madira Girls), Ann Wavinya Abednego (Ibubi Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls), Malia Rose Nyabera Otondi (Pelham Memorial – New York, USA)Defenders: Lorine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Jenevieve Mithel (Nyakach Girls), Patience Asiko (Butere Girls), Sharline Munasia (Madira Girls), Kelsey Aoko (Mwitoti Secondary), Steller Kasichana (Kombani Secondary), Naomi Kwamboka (Saye School), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Rose Nangila Wanyonyi (Wiyeta Girls), Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls), Julliet Akinyi (Nyakach Girls), Berine Ikanya (Butere Girls), Fancy Cheptoo (Trinity Mission), Rehema Omulubi (Trinity Mission), Jecinta Ndunge (Mbihi Girls High School)Midfielders: Halima Imbachi (Butere Girls), Lindy Weey Atieno (Sunflower Academy), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Brigit Maria (Wiyeta Girls), Merceline Adhiambo (Madira Girls), Monica Nelima (Saye School), Pamela Adhiambo (Kombani Secondary), Serah Wanjiru (Menengai High School), Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls), Fleviah Khatenje (St. Joseph Girls), Tabitha Wambui (Kahawa Primary), Mwanakombo Nlela Bakari (Mwaroni JSS Ukunda), Linah Martha (Arch Bishop Njenga), Princencia Atieno (Saye School)Forwards: Sarah Awino (Mwitoti Secondary), Brenda Achieng (Ugunja Township), Mitchelle Waithera (Talanta), Ruth Nanjala (St. Joseph Girls), Anifa Bakari (Mwira Secondary), Linet Auma (Wiyeta Girls), Khadija Furaha Ali (Kobala School), Beffine Shaley (Kobala School), Joan Ogola (Mwira Primary), Judith Nandwa (Unattached), Quinter Adhiambo Mwendi (Saye School), Jane Kweyu (Mwitoti Secondary), Joy Angela Valencia (Butere Girls), Faith Boke (Lwak Girls), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Ruth Akinyi (Starehe Girls High)Source: Football Kenya Federation (FKF)
