Kenya’s historic qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ has been hailed as a “game-changer” for women’s football in the country. These were the sentiments of the Junior Starlets’ head coach, Mildred Cheche, who guided her team to this unprecedented achievement.
For the first time, Kenya will compete in a FIFA World Cup™ finals at any age level, joining Nigeria and Zambia as African representatives at the global event in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.
In an interview with CAF Online, Cheche expressed her excitement and pride in her team’s accomplishment. “It’s an incredible feeling to have made history with this qualification,” she said.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our young players, our federation, the entire support staff, and the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Sports.
It signifies a major milestone for Kenyan football, especially for the women’s game, and it’s a moment of pride for the entire nation. This success shows that with the right support and belief, our girls can reach great heights on the global stage.”
Reflecting on the journey to qualification, Cheche emphasized the importance of belief and preparation. “From the very beginning of the qualifiers campaign, we believed in our potential to reach this stage,” she stated.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the talent and determination of our players, along with the support from the Federation and the Government, gave us confidence. We approached each match with a winning mentality and a clear strategy.
The journey was tough, but the unwavering belief in our abilities and the hard work put in by everyone involved made this dream a reality.”
Cheche highlighted the broader impact of this achievement on women’s football in Kenya. “This qualification is a game-changer for women’s football in Kenya. It serves as a powerful inspiration for young girls across the country who are interested in playing football,” she noted.
“It shows them that with dedication, they too can achieve greatness and represent their country on the world stage. This milestone will encourage more girls to take up the sport, and it will help in building a stronger foundation for women’s football in Kenya. Our success is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for further development of football at all levels.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Cheche outlined her aspirations for the team. “Competing at the World Cup is an incredible opportunity for our team,” she said. “Our primary goal is to gain valuable experience and to showcase the talent and spirit of Kenyan football.
We aim to compete fiercely, learn from the best, and grow as a team. While we are realistic about the challenges ahead, we are also ambitious. We hope to make a significant impact, advance as far as possible, and make our country proud.
This experience will be invaluable for the players’ development and for the future of women’s football in Kenya.”
The Junior Starlets’ journey to the World Cup has been marked by resilience and determination. Their qualification was secured through a dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi, with a 2-0 win in Nairobi sealing their place in history.
This achievement reflects the growing strength of women’s football in Kenya and the dedication of those involved in its development.
Cheche’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team to this historic milestone. Her commitment to fostering a winning mentality and her ability to motivate and inspire her players have been crucial.
“We always taught the girls about their predecessors and highlighted players who made their name at this level,” she explained. “This resulted in a resilient and positive spirit, and we reminded them how their lives could change if they play at a FIFA World Cup like their seniors.
They knew that qualifying for the World Cup meant they could change their lives and family lives.”
The impact of this qualification extends beyond the football pitch. It has the potential to transform societal attitudes towards women’s sports in Kenya, encouraging more support and investment.
“Parents now believe that a woman can play football and have a life-changing career,” Cheche said. “This has changed the perspective that parents have had on women’s football and women’s sport in general.”
As Kenya prepares to compete on the global stage, the nation’s hopes and dreams will be carried by the Junior Starlets. Their participation in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is not just about playing football; it is about making history, inspiring future generations, and showcasing the potential of Kenyan women in sports.
The journey to the Dominican Republic represents a new chapter for women’s football in Kenya, one filled with promise and possibility.
Photo: X
