Junior Starlets’ World Cup Dream Fueled by Historic Qualification and Bumper Financial Reward

The Harambee Junior Starlets have been awarded Sh300,000 each by the Ministry of Sports, in recognition of their historic qualification for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in a landmark achievement for Kenyan football.

Their resounding success was sealed with a 5-0 aggregate triumph over Burundi, including a 2-0 victory at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Following their victory, CS Ababu Namwamba celebrated the team’s success with a dinner and announced a generous Sh10 million reward for both the players and the technical team. This gesture underscores the government’s appreciation for the team’s outstanding performance.

The CS praised the team’s performance as a testament to the effectiveness of the ‘bottom-up’ approach of the Talanta Hela Initiative. “Witnessing history being made is a rare and extraordinary event. For the first time, a Kenyan team will grace the World Cup stage, and these remarkable girls have made it possible,” he remarked.

The Junior Starlets are among the three African teams, alongside Nigeria and Zambia, set to compete in the 2024 U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Their journey to the World Cup was marked by an impressive defensive record, not conceding a single goal and scoring eight across four matches.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa expressed his joy over the qualification, highlighting it as a payoff for the federation’s investment in youth and women’s football. “Our women’s football has shown the most significant growth potential in Kenya. The team’s ability to win and the support they’ve received is a reflection of our dedication to consistent, focused efforts,” Mwendwa stated, celebrating the team’s achievement.