Junior Starlets settle in Pretoria ahead of South Africa clash

The national Under-17 women’s football team Junior Starlets, hit the ground running after landing in Pretoria, holding their first training session on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying first-leg clash against South Africa.

Head coach Mildred Cheche is brimming with confidence that her charges have the tools to hurt the hosts and claim the first-leg advantage as they seek their second-ever appearance at the grandest stage following their debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024.

“Away matches are always tough for any team, but mental strength is everything. The girls are ready to go out and get a positive result here in South Africa," said Cheche.

The Junior Starlets made history two years ago by becoming the country's first football team to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup, and are keen for a return in Morocco later this year after missing out on last year’s showpiece.

The Kenyan youngsters booked their place in the final qualifying round on away goal rule against Uganda, while South Africa progressed by overcoming Tanzania.

Kenya will host the return leg on July 12 at Nyayo Stadium with the winner of the two-leg tie qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup set to run from 17 October – 7 November in Morocco.

Junior Starlets midfielder Pauline Sylvia says the squad is fired up ahead of the assignment.

“We are psyched up, we are hungry, and we want to qualify for the World Cup. We will give our best, and everything we have worked on in training we will show on the pitch.”

Saturday's encounter at Lucas Moripe Stadium will be the first-ever meeting between Kenya and South Africa at the U-17 women's level, with both sides determined to take an advantage into the decisive second leg.