Junior Starlets midfielder using newly-acquired knowledge to fuel team through World Cup Qualifiers

Junior Starlets midfielder Tabitha Wambui says her added personal experience with the Under 17 national side will hold her in good stead, as the team looks to return to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in three years.

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Wambui, speaking during Starlets’ training session on Wednesday, 1 April, contrasted her individual run from the U15s setup to the U17s, signifying her growth ahead of her potential participation in the upcoming first round of World Cup Qualifiers against Namibia on 12 and 18 April.

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“I have learnt that this level constitutes intense training, which is very different from what exists outside,” Wambui, who features for Madira Soccer Assassins in the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL), said of her time in national team camp.

“I feel good, it is a privilege. Most people want to represent their country, so I truly appreciate the call up and I feel proud.”

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Known for her vision, creativity, and finishing ability, Wambui has enjoyed a quick rise through the age-groups; from representing Kenya in the 2023 CAF Schools Football Championship (CECAFA), to being promoted from the U15s early last year.

Asked to compare those levels with the U17s, where she is now a key member of the team, Wambui said: “From U15 to here (U17) is top experience, and there is something you gain as a player.

In U15, training isn't as intense, as you do what you know. But here, you do according to the coach, adding on what you know.”

Coached by Mildred Cheche, the side is looking at redeeming themselves from the down year in 2025, which saw them lose a spot to the World Cup in the final hurdle, when they lost 4-1 on aggregate to Cameroon.

The team, which begins this year’s qualifiers from the first round, began camp last week, and has played a number of friendlies, including one against Kenya Police Bullets this week.

Though with a bunch of new faces, Wambui said preparations for the Namibia clash were going on well, thanks to the already-existing synergy among teammates.

“The team is giving what the coach wants,” the Kahawa Pride Lionesses top scorer in the 2023 regional season said. “As we continue with the same momentum, we are going to finish what is ahead of us.”

Kenya will play away to Namibia in the first leg tie slated for Sunday, 12 April, before hosting the second leg on Saturday, 18 April at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.

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