Junior Starlets’ head coach Mildred Cheche is confident in her team’s abilities ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup primed for 16 October to 3 November at the Dominican Republic.

The youngsters made history as the first team in Kenya to qualify for the global showpiece.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the tactician refused to accept that her charges were underdogs in the tournament.

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Cheche emphasized that the junior tournament was highly unpredictable, as anyone could emerge victorious, unlike the senior tournaments where players are generally more conditioned and experienced.

“We are not going there as underdogs. We will go to compete and we are confident of good results. All the groups are tough but ours is fair, being our first time. Regardless of the group, we will be just as competitive,” the coach said.

She further expressed confidence that the combination of ‘divine favour’ and the players' prior exposure to high-level competition would be key factors in their success. Some players like Marion Serenge, Lorna Faith, Christine Adhiambo, and Velma Awuor have played on the international level.

“We will surprise people because we have a crop of players who have been exposed to high-intensity matches outside the country. Others equally have the will to fight for the country. With that and the blessings from God, I believe we will get something. They are up to the task,” she averred.

The girls will be in a Kenyan-based camp for 22 days before embarking on a 20-day one in Spain where they will sharpen their skills further. Cheche maintains such preparations will get them ripe for the challenge.

Coach Mildred cheche under 17 junior starlets @Football_Kenya @azamtvtz @EricNjiiru #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/uW8GBQhgpk
— Momanyi Elijah01(kijana chipukizi) (@Momanyielijah01) July 27, 2024

Further, the tactician says the bench will be on the lookout for better talents to constantly feed the team, during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two national games that started on Sunday 4 August.

“We have been following our players who are still in school. They are doing well in the school games. There will be minimal changes to the squad we chase continuity,” she explained.

On what the opportunity meant for the girls, the gaffer said, “It will be great for them. They will earn better visibility and gain exposure. They may also be scouted to join international teams or earn prestigious scholarships.”

She continued, “It will be a great opportunity for the technical bench and I to gauge our skills and what we need to do to improve. It is quite the challenge to all of us.”

The Junior Starlets’ campaign began at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, where they secured a 3-0 victory against Burundi in the first leg on 9 June.

In the second leg played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on 16 June, they bagged a 5-0 aggregate win in the final round of the qualification.

They are in Group C alongside Korea DPR, Mexico, and England and they will open their campaign against the latter on Thursday, 17 October.

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Cheche opens up on U17 World Cup preparations, expectations

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