11 players return as Mildred Cheche names Junior Starlets' provisional squad for 2025 World Cup qualifiers

Coach Mildred Cheche has unveiled a 51-player provisional squad for the Junior Starlets ahead of their crucial 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda in March.

The squad features 11 returnees from the 2024 World Cup campaign, including 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.

While the squad boasts incredible talent, Coach Cheche faces the challenge of rebuilding after several key players from the last World Cup campaign have moved on. 

Some members of the 2024 World Cup squad, including  Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, and Diana Anyango are now part of the U-20 national team, leaving the Junior Starlets to rely on a fresh crop of young players to navigate the qualifiers. Despite this, Cheche remains optimistic about the team's chances.

“This makes the challenge even tougher, but it’s achievable,” Cheche told FKF media following the announcement.

“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 U-17 World Cup, and we will give our all to make it happen,” said Coach Cheche.

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 challenge.

 Uganda, having already played in the first round of the qualifiers, will come into the match with an advantage in terms of match fitness.

 However, Kenya’s young talents have a history of rising to the occasion, and with proper preparation, they will be aiming to advance past Uganda and set up a decisive clash against Cameroon for a ticket to the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The first leg of the qualifiers have been slated between March 7-9, with the return leg set to take place a week later from 14 to 16th March.