FKF boss Mohammed calls for full house as Junior Starlets chase World Cup berth

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has made a passionate appeal to Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and support the Junior Starlets as they seek to secure a historic second consecutive qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The national Under-17 women's team will host South Africa in the decisive second-leg qualifier on Sunday, July 12, at Nyayo National Stadium.

Coach Mildred Cheche's charges head into the encounter with a commanding advantage after registering a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria last Saturday.

Goals from Faith Boke and Brenda Achieng have put Kenya on the brink of another appearance on the global stage, with the Junior Starlets needing only a draw to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated match, Hussein described the occasion as an exciting moment for Kenyan football and urged sports lovers, families and leaders to rally behind the team.

“Fellow Kenyans, this is a very exciting period for Kenyan football. Our Junior Starlets are playing on July 12 at Nyayo National Stadium.

“I urge all of you to turn up in large numbers and come and support our girls,” said Mohammed.

To ensure a packed stadium, the FKF president announced that entry to the main terraces will be free of charge, making it possible for as many fans as possible to witness the historic occasion.

“Entry to the main terraces is free, so please come with your families and your friends,” he added.

Recognizing the effort the technical bench and players have invested throughout the qualification campaign, Mohammed also called on government officials and political leaders to show their support from the stands.

“I also want to urge all our leaders to turn up in large numbers. Come and support the Junior Starlets.

“They have worked very hard throughout this journey. I call upon our Members of Parliament, Senators, Governors and leaders from various government ministries to come and support the team as we stand on the brink of qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup.”

Should Mildred Cheche's side complete the task on home soil, they will qualify for a second successive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, having become the first Kenyan football team to feature at a FIFA World Cup tournament during their historic debut in 2024.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, at Nyayo National Stadium.