Kenya’s U17 Girls’ National Team, the Junior Starlets, head coach Mildred Cheche has officially named the final 23-player squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Despite their notable contributions during the qualifiers, Claire Meris, Mitshelle Waithera, and 10 other players were not selected for the final roster. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of prioritizing a balance between fitness, form, and tactical alignment to ensure the team is prepared for the upcoming challenges on the world stage.

Another key absence is Sheryl Amuok, who sustained a knee injury during the East Africa School Games. Although these players won’t feature in the final squad, their dedication has been instrumental in the Junior Starlets’ journey and success during the qualifiers.

The final squad will depart for Spain on Thursday morning for a pre-World Cup training camp. The Junior Starlets will participate in friendly matches to refine their skills and tactics before their debut on the global stage.

The 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place from October 16 to November 3, 2024. The Junior Starlets will face a tough group stage, starting with England on October 18, followed by a match against Korea DPR on October 20, and wrapping up the group stage against Mexico on October 24.

This marks the Junior Starlets’ first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and the team is determined to represent Kenya with pride and ambition.

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