Junior Starlets ace Serenge to use U-17 WC as springboard to European football

Junior Starlets ace Marion Serenge is optimistic that the FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup experience will open the doors for her to join a European club.

Serenge is among the final list of 23 players who will participate in the quadrennial extravaganza slated for October 16 to November 3 in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, Serenge said her dream is to play football in Europe, a feat that will only be realized if she impresses at the World Cup.  

“It’s a very nice opportunity for me to land a club in Europe, which has been my dream. Many scouts will watch us play, and I will give it my all.

“As a team, we are very much focused, and we are aiming to reach the semifinal”

“This is a big inspiration to me as a parent and coach. I believe my daughter will do a wonderful job in the Dominican Republic and land a club in Europe.

“I will be happier seeing her going professional, and it will act as a big boost to her career.”

Starlets entered day three of their pre-World Cup training camp on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Alicante, Spain and as part of their preparations for the global event the team has lined up crucial friendlies that will play a pivotal role in honing their skills.

They will face Valencia CF Women on September 25, 2024, Portugal on September 27, and Intercity on September 30.

The matches will help fine-tune their tactics and build match sharpness ahead of their debut in the tournament.

The Junior Starlets will kick off their group-stage matches against England on October 18. They will face Korea DPR on October 20 and complete their group fixtures on October 24 against Mexico.

Kenya heroically qualified for the global showpiece after white-washing Burundi 5-0 on aggregate in their final qualification match.