Kenya's Junior Starlets fired-up for South Africa test

Kenya Junior Starlets head coach, Mildred Cheche, says the team is mentally ready to face South Africa in the first leg of the final qualification round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup set for Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

The winner of the two-leg tie will qualify for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup set to run from 17 October – 7 November in Morocco.

“From the beginning of camp, I told the players it wouldn't be easy to qualify again because every country wants to be at the World Cup. But if we maintain a strong mentality and fight through difficult moments, it becomes easier for us to win matches,” she said.

The Junior Starlets head into the tie after using the CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship to fine-tune their preparations.

According to Cheche, the regional tournament provided the technical bench with a valuable opportunity to assess the squad in competitive conditions ahead of the clash against South Africa.

“CECAFA was very important for the team because it gave us ample time to prepare. The main squad was able to play competitive matches, and I believe those test matches are crucial before a tournament of this magnitude.”

Cheche believes being clinical in front of goal could prove decisive in Pretoria.

“We need to make better use of the chances we create because we always get opportunities. We also have to fight until the final whistle because football is a game of 90 minutes.”

The coach also confirmed that midfielder Grace Mumu will miss the trip after failing to recover from a chest condition that ruled her out of the CECAFA tournament.

While her absence is a setback, the players remain confident that the work done in camp has adequately prepared them for the challenge.

Attacking midfielder Lindey Weey said the CECAFA tournament helped the team identify both its strengths and areas that needed improvement.

 “The CECAFA matches helped us a lot. The coach was able to see where we needed to improve and where our strengths lie. During training, we've been working on everything we've learned, and I believe we'll give South Africa a good challenge.”

Forward Mwanakombo Bakari said analysing South Africa's previous matches has also been a key part of Kenya's preparations.

 “We've prepared well physically, especially in the final third. We've watched their matches, both home and away, to identify areas we can exploit. We're working hard because we believe we can qualify for the World Cup.”

Midfielder Pauline Sylvia said every player understands the significance of the two-legged tie.

“Every player is pushing themselves because we all want to go to the World Cup. There are no easy teams at this stage, but if we work together and support each other on the pitch, we believe we can get the result.”

Kenya booked their place in the final qualifying round after 1-1  draw, advancing on away goal rule, while South Africa progressed by overcoming Tanzania.

The first leg will be played in Pretoria before the return fixture in Nairobi, with the aggregate winner securing a place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Cheche has also called on Kenyans living in South Africa to turn out in large numbers and support the Junior Starlets as they aim to move one step closer to a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup appearance.