National women’s football team Harambee Starlets are through to the final qualifying round of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations set for next year in Morocco following a 15-1 thrashing of South Sudan in the first round of qualification. Harambee Starlets are just too good, admits South Sudan coachThe Charles Okere-led side will face the winner between Uganda and Ethiopia, with former going to the return match set for 26 October 2021 holding a two-goal advantage. Whichever pairing Starlets land, it will not be a first meeting for them as they have played the two nations on several occasions, Ethiopia in a friendly match in preparation for the 2018 AWCON qualifiers and Uganda in both friendly competition settings. “We have between now and February to prepare for the task ahead and with proper planning and preparations we will be ready and in a good place to face whichever team qualifies from the other pairing. Kenya has playe the two teams before so we will not be going in blind, we know the level they are at,” said Okere. Further, the tactician is drawing his confidence from Vihiga Queens’ recent exploits against teams drawn from the two nations in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League. The national teams draw a substantial number of their players from the said clubs. Additionally, Okere believes the league, starting next month will help his plans of building a better team sending warning shots to those already in the team not to rest easy.”No spot is reserved for anyone in the team. We are building a team of utility players who can be deployed in any position when beed be so versatility will be an added advantage for those already in the team and those hoping to catch our eye when the league kicks off and we begin our scouting,”added Okere.Meawhile, South Sudan, who managed to score one goal in the return leg encounter to exit the qualifiers are confident of a better showing in future outings.”Ours is a rebuilding path and the plan was to try and hold Harambee Starlets, knowing well that they are years ahead of us in terms of women football development. The return leg was much better, despite the score, and I am really proud of my players. I can only ask so much from such a young squad. They gave their all on the pitch and we get back to our rebuilding programme now with lessons from here,” said South Sudan’s head coach Shilene Booysen. ##NAJAVA_MECA_5920495##
