Junior Starlets’ Head coach Mildred Cheche has unveiled the provisional squad set to compete in the upcoming two-legged qualification round against DR Congo.
The matches are crucial for securing a spot in the second round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, with the first leg scheduled in DR Congo on February 4 and the second leg at home on February 11.
Leading the list is Valerie Nekesa from Madira Girls, a standout performer for Rising Starlets U20 in last year’s Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Nekesa, a prolific forward, notably secured a hat-trick against Angola, contributing to a 4-0 victory. Her remarkable performance in the 2022/23 Women Premier League Division One, where she clinched the Golden Boot with 37 goals in 22 matches, adds to the anticipation.
Diana Anyango from Butere Girls, instrumental in securing a spot for the Red Commandos in the finals of the Kenya Secondary School ball games last year, is also named in the squad. Anyango’s solitary goal in the semi-finals against Madira Girls propelled the Red Commandos to the title, denying Wiyeta a record ninth title.
The 30-player squad is set to join the camp on Wednesday. Following the two legs, the team with the higher aggregate score will advance to the third round.
Goalkeepers
Velma Abwire (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.)
Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.)
Effie Awuor (Madira Girls)
Esther Akumu (Kibaoni Sec.)
Defenders
Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.)
Elizebeth Ochaka (Shiraha Starlets)
Clare Meries (Kobala Sec. Sch)
Grace Mumo (Madira Girls)
Rose Nangila (Wiyeta)
Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls)
Vivian Amondi (Dr. Charles Sec. Inyanzi)
Judith Nandwa (Butere Girls)
Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls)
Midfielders
Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed)
Shani Stacy Shemaiah (Shree Cutch Sastsang)
Brenda Awuor (Madira)
Bridgit Maria (Wiyeta)
Sheila Akinyi (Kariobangi North Sec.)
Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies)
Lornah Faith (Butere Girls)
Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls)
Joy Angela Valencia (Butere Girls)
Lindey Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior)
Diana Anyango (Butere Girls)
Winnie Wangeci (Dadstar)
Catherine Wambui (Madira Girls)
Patience Kasichana (Uweza Women)
Marvelous Joy (Ogande Girls)
Marion Serenge (Arch Bishop Njenga)
