Kenya U17 defender shares blueprint for FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualification
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.07.26. | 20:24
South Africa stands between the Kenyan team and their second appearance at the World Cup
Kenya Women's U17 national team defender Pauline Sylvia has disclosed the plan the team will rely on in their bid qualify to the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
South Africa stands between the Kenyan team and their second appearance at the World Cup.
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The two sides will clash in the third and final round of the qualifiers.
The Junior Starlets begin with an away clash on Saturday, 4 July at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria before a decisive second leg on Sunday, 12 July at the Nyayo National Stadium.
With stakes already high, Sylvia opened up on the team's strategy to overcome their South African counterparts.
“As defenders, we must first ensure that we keep clean sheets and then push the attackers to score in order to qualify,” stated Syvia.
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Having faced speedy Ugandan wingers, Sylvia said the defense is now prepared to face any kind of opposition in their road to the World Cup.
“For defenders, sometimes we meet very speedy strikers and wingers but we have vowed to stop them,” he added.
Reflecting on Kenya's preparations ahead of the Saturday afternoon clash, Sylvia expressed confidence in the team winning.
“Training has been great. We are psyched up for the battle to go to the World Cup and every player is working hard for the same and ready to implement the coaching instructions.”
The hard-tackling defender is banking on the team's mentality to get over the line.
“There are no easy teams at this stage but we have to work hard and show that we deserve it. We all have the mentality of qualifying to the World Cup and etch our names in the books of history,” she remarked.
The World Cup will be held in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026.