Kenya is set to make waves in women’s football at the inaugural CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT), taking place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from January 7–18, 2025.
Spotlight on the All-Kenyan Derby
Highlighting the tournament’s kickoff is an all-Kenyan clash on January 7, 2025, at 3 PM, between Kenya Academy of Sports and the Kenya Elite Junior Academy. Both teams are part of Group A, where competition promises to be fierce.
The Kenya Elite Junior Academy secured their spot following the withdrawal of Bahir Dar Kenema (Ethiopia), setting up this exciting derby.
Strategic Preparations for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
The CAF GIFT tournament serves as a critical preparation platform for Kenya’s campaign in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where the team will face Namibia or Uganda in the second round in March 2025.
Trailblazing Coaches at the Helm
The Kenyan teams are guided by two of the nation’s most accomplished football minds:
Jacqueline Juma leads the Kenya Academy of Sports. She is one of only two CAF A-accredited female coaches in Kenya and was the first woman to coach an FKF Premier League team, FC Talanta. Her leadership is expected to inspire her players and elevate their performance.
Mildred Cheche heads the Kenya Elite Junior Academy. A CAF B-certified coach, Cheche is celebrated as the first Kenyan coach to lead a team to a FIFA World Cup, having successfully qualified the Junior Starlets for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Her proven expertise in youth development adds an edge to her team.
A Stepping Stone for Kenya’s Football Future
The CAF GIFT tournament provides invaluable international exposure for Kenya’s young footballers and is a cornerstone of the nation’s long-term football development strategy.
As the players showcase their talent, the tournament will help solidify the Junior Starlets squad, positioning Kenya as a formidable force in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
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