Kenya U17 head coach names squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 23.03.26. | 17:07
Head coach Mildred Cheche unveiled a balanced squad that blends schoolgirl prodigies with emerging league talent, as Kenya begins another journey in pursuit of a place on the global stage
Nyanza giants Nyakach Girls Secondary School once again stamped their authority on the national stage after providing the largest contingent in the provisional Junior Starlets squad named ahead of the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Namibia.
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Head coach Mildred Cheche unveiled a balanced squad that blends schoolgirl prodigies with emerging league talent, as Kenya begins another journey in pursuit of a place on the global stage.
The squad reflects both continuity and renewal and has drawn heavily from proven school powerhouses while injecting fresh energy from the domestic leagues.
Nyakach headlines the list with five call-ups: Vallary Achieng, Idah Matara, Sheila Atieno, Beryl Awuor and Emily Adhiambo.
Traditional rivals Wiyeta Girls High School also maintain a strong presence, contributing goalkeeper Mitshel Ng’ono and defender Ruth Barasa, among others.
Several other institutions have also earned national recognition, including Nasokol Girls, Tumaini Secondary School, Butere Girls, Kobala Secondary, Madira Girls, St Joseph’s Girls Kitale, Lwak Girls and Oding Junior Secondary.
Beyond the school system, Cheche has cast her net into the domestic leagues and rewarded standout performers with a chance to impress at the national level.
Pauline Namisi of Desert Scorpions headlines the picks from the Women's National Super League, alongside Daisy Adongo (Gideon Starlets), Lindi Weey Atieno (Madira Soccer Assassins), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare United) and Lilyann Adhiambo (Kibera Soccer Women), who add depth and experience to the youthful squad.
Kenya will open their qualifying campaign away to Namibia on Sunday, 12 April, before hosting the decisive return leg in Nairobi on Saturday, 18 April.
The Junior Starlets will be keen to secure a positive result on the road before capitalising on home advantage to seal progression.
The team heads into the qualifiers determined to build on recent campaigns that have showcased both promise and progress.
Kenya made history during the 2024 qualifiers by securing their maiden FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup ticket after a dominant aggregate victory over Burundi.
In the subsequent campaign, they once again reached the final round but fell short against Cameroon, narrowly missing out on back-to-back appearances.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Mitshel Ng’ono (Wiyeta Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls), Martha Mitchelle (Nasokol Girls), Roseline Achondo (Tumaini Secondary)
Defenders: Pauline Namisi (Desert Scorpions), Faith Boke (Butere Girls), Idah Matara (Nyakach Girls), Ruth Barasa (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Gideon Starlets), Sheila Atieno (Nyakach Girls), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Rose Nangila (Amus College), Brenda Otieno (Kobala Secondary)
Midfielders: Bevarline Awuor (Mathare United), Bakari Mwanakombo (Kombani Secondary), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Lindi Weey Atieno (Madira Girls), Beryl Awuor (Nyakach Girls), Fleviah Khatenje (St Joseph’s Girls Kitale)
Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Patience Waithera (St Joseph Murang’a), Khadija Furaha (Kobala Secondary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Tabitha Wambui (Madira Girls), Ivy Atieno (St Joseph’s Girls Kitale), Lilyann Adhiambo (Kibera Soccer Women), Melvin Vugutsa (Annet Mixed Secondary), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding JSS)