Kenya Junior Starlets ready for tough China PR test at U17 World Cup

Kenya Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche says her side are prepared to make a positive start to the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup against China PR this evening.

Cheche believes the team’s preparations have put the players in the right frame of mind for their opening match, while warning that China PR will provide a demanding test.

“We’ve had good preparation, the guys are ready for the match against China. It’s going to be a very tough match but mentally they’re prepared to handle the match. For the 21 players that we selected they are available for the match and everybody is fit to play and we are hoping that they give their best in tomorrow’s match,” Cheche said.

The coach also said the squad had been given the confidence to perform on the global stage and demonstrate its ability.

“We have invested a lot of confidence in the players and we are hoping that they get to showcase what they have.”

The Junior Starlets are appearing at the tournament for the second time. Their first participation came in 2024, when the competition was held in the Dominican Republic.

Football Kenya Federation official Hussein Mohammed has travelled with the team and said he had spoken to the players before their opening fixture. He is hopeful Kenya can progress beyond the group stage.

“I’ve come to support our girls who are participating in the World Cup U17 competitions, the FIFA World Cup competition. We are here for the second time in this particular tournament, very exciting,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed said the players were in high spirits and had responded positively to the support around them.

“The girls are in high spirits and I’ve given them words of encouragement. I’ve seen that they’re quite motivated, so I want to thank everybody who’s played a significant role in this journey to support this particular team. They are here to make Kenya proud which is indeed our hope and prayer that they go beyond the group stage.”