Kenya U17 Women’s team head coach Mildred Cheche has called up to 51 players in her provisional squad for their crucial 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda in March.
A chunk of the players are picked from the 2024 World Cup campaign team with the likes of goalkeepers Velma Abwire and Scovia Awuor, defenders Lorine Ilavonga and Jenevive Mithel, midfielders Lindey Weey, Halima Imbachi, and Brenda Awuor, as well as forwards Joy Valencia, Joan Ogola, and Quinter Adhiambo, making the team.
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Speaking after unveiling the team, Cheche admitted that she will have to include new faces in the team as many players she used in the last World Cup had moved to the Under 20 team.
“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,” she said.
On her next opponents, she added, “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.”
The 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.
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.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Velma Auma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary), Mitchelle Achieng (Madira Girls), Ann Wavinya Abednego (Ibubi Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls)and 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) and 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) and 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) and Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls)
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