The Kenya U17 Women’s national team, known affectionately as the Junior Starlets, stand on the cusp of a potential milestone as they ramp up their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. With the World Cup on the horizon, the upcoming friendly matches against Morocco on April 4 and April 7, 2025, have emerged as pivotal stepping stones for the team.
The road to qualification
The Junior Starlets, under the guidance of head coach Mildred Cheche, have already demonstrated their prowess by securing a spot in the third round. They achieved this triumph through a decisive 5-0 aggregate victory over Uganda. With Cameroon as their next opponent, these friendlies against Morocco are set to test their readiness in a real-world environment, offering a glimpse into their current capabilities and potential areas of improvement.
Why Morocco matters
Competing against Morocco is no mere coincidence. As future adversaries in the World Cup tournament, Morocco offers Kenya a unique opportunity to pit their skills against a technically adept and tactically astute team. “Morocco keeps the ball mostly. They are a very technical and well-drilled team tactically,” Cheche observed, underscoring the strategic value of these matches in preparation for the physically challenging games against Cameroon.
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Setting sights on Cameroon
Scheduled for April 20 and 25, 2025, the qualifiers against Cameroon are the gateways to the coveted 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Coach Cheche emphasizes that the friendlies serve as a critical assessment tool for the team’s fitness levels and tactical awareness. The Junior Starlets aim to leverage the lessons learned in Morocco to fortify their performance in the qualifiers.
Building confidence and competency
Team captain Halima Imbachi highlighted the morale and determination of the squad, noting the importance of these matches in boosting their confidence ahead of the Cameroon challenge. “It is motivating because we know we only have two games—home and away—and we are trying to win them in order to return to the tournament,” Imbachi shared, echoing the squad’s collective ambition to not only participate but excel on the world stage.
The support behind success
The Junior Starlets’ journey is bolstered by significant governmental and organizational support. As articulated by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, the commitment to identifying grassroots talent and developing young players remains a priority. This focus on nurturing potential was further echoed during a visit by Kenyan sports officials, reinforcing their backing and belief in the team’s abilities.
Looking ahead
As they prepare to face Morocco, the Junior Starlets embody the spirit of Kenyan football—undaunted by challenges and fueled by dreams of international acclaim. These matches are more than just preparation; they are a rehearsal for future triumphs and a testament to the squad’s undying resolve. With a second consecutive World Cup appearance within reach, the Junior Starlets are indeed an inspiring embodiment of hope and determination.
