Kenya’s Junior Starlets are stepping up preparations for their second FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance, with head coach Mildred Cheche naming a 30-player provisional squad ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Kenya’s Cheche Names 30-Player Provisional Squad For FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Under-17 women’s national team coach Mildred Cheche has named a 30-player provisional squad as the Junior Starlets intensify preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The tournament will be held from October 17 to November 7, with Kenya returning to the global stage after securing qualification through an impressive run that included a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa’s Bantwana in the final qualifying round.
Cheche has largely retained the core of the squad that guided Kenya through the qualifying campaign, while continuing to introduce new faces in an effort to strengthen the team ahead of the tournament.
The coach has also used the recent school sports calendar to widen her talent search. She has been closely monitoring players at competitions, including the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Ball Games, as the technical team looks to identify additional options before the final squad is selected.
The 30 players will now report to a residential training camp, where they will be assessed on fitness, current form and tactical suitability. The squad will eventually be reduced to 25 players for Kenya’s World Cup campaign.
A second World Cup appearance
The Junior Starlets secured their place in Morocco after navigating a challenging qualifying route.
Kenya began by eliminating Namibia 7-1 on aggregate before facing regional rivals Uganda in the next round. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw followed by a goalless second leg, with Kenya advancing on the away-goals rule.
The decisive test came against South Africa.
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Kenya produced a strong performance in Pretoria, with Faith Boke and Brenda Achieng finding the net to put the Junior Starlets in a commanding position. After surviving an early scare in the return leg, Kenya added three second-half goals to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory and book their place at the World Cup.
The qualification marks another significant milestone for the Junior Starlets, who are building on their growing presence in international youth football.
Tough test awaits in Group E
Kenya will face a demanding challenge in Morocco after being drawn in Group E alongside the United States, China PR and tournament debutants Samoa.
The USA arrive as one of the experienced sides in the group and won a bronze medal at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
China PR also bring considerable tournament experience, having reached the Round of 16 at the previous edition, while Samoa will make their World Cup debut.
Kenya will open their campaign against China PR on October 19 before taking on the USA three days later. They will conclude the group stage against Samoa on October 25.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers
- Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls)
- Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls)
- Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls)
Defenders
- Namisi Pauline (Desert Scorpions)
- Jael Nanjala (Kitale School)
- Idah Matara (Nyakach Girls)
- Idah Akinyi (Kobala School)
- Grace Mumo (Madira Girls)
- Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women)
- Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls)
- Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix)
- Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School)
- Khatenje Fleviah (St. Joseph’s, Kitale)
Midfielders
- Bakari Mwanakombo (Kombani School)
- Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls)
- Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls)
- Iffy Norah (St. Joseph Murang’a Starlets)
- Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School)
- Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls)
- Clarice Demba (Wiyeta Girls)
Forwards
- Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill)
- Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding’ Primary)
- Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls)
- Wambui Tabitha (Mathare United Women)
- Faith Boke (Butere Girls)
- Patience Waithera (St. Joseph’s Girls, Murang’a)
- Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls)
- Marcy Awuor (Butere Girls)
- Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls)
- Ivy Atieno (Wiyeta Girls)
Junior Starlets’ Group E fixtures
| Match | Time | Venue | Date |
| Kenya vs China PR | 5pm EAT | Women’s Football Complex, Pitch 1 | October 19 |
| USA vs Kenya | 8pm EAT | Women’s Football Complex, Pitch 3 | October 22 |
| Samoa vs Kenya | 8pm EAT | Women’s Football Complex, Pitch 4 | October 25 |
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