President William Ruto has assured three Junior Starlets players, who were left out of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup squad, that they will still accompany the team to the Dominican Republic as a reward for their significant contribution to Kenya’s qualification for the tournament.
The three players, Sheryl Amuok, Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera, were not included in the final squad named by coach Mildred Cheche. While Mitshelle and Claire missed out due to tactical preferences, Sheryl was ruled out after sustaining a knee injury during the East Africa School Games.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 18, during a ceremony to officially hand over the Kenyan flag to the team, President Ruto acknowledged the players’ efforts.
He expressed gratitude for their role in helping the Junior Starlets secure Kenya’s first-ever qualification to a FIFA World Cup.
“I know there are three girls—Sheryl, Claire, and Mitshelle—who made a huge contribution towards getting us here and will not be in the team, but I want them to be part of the group that will accompany you to this event as representatives of all the others who participated,” said President Ruto.
The President also commended the team’s technical staff for their dedication and leadership, saying:
“I know the coaches have had a difficult moment in preparing the team. Congratulations on doing a wonderful job and making history by being the first team in Kenya to go to a World Cup.”
The Junior Starlets departed for Spain on Thursday, September 19, where they will camp and participate in friendly matches before heading to the Dominican Republic for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled from October 16 to November 3, 2024.
Kenya’s Historic World Cup Qualification
The Junior Starlets made history by becoming the first Kenyan national football team to qualify for a World Cup. This monumental achievement followed their impressive 5-0 aggregate victory over Burundi in the fourth and final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The decisive match was held on June 16, 2024, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Kenya will now compete on the global stage, showcasing the progress of women’s football in the country and inspiring future generations of players.
