Junior Starlets stars on the radar of European teams

Foreign clubs have scouted up to seven Kenyan women’s under 17 national team Junior Starlets players after their impressive appearance at their maiden appearance at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche revealed that American and Spanish clubs were some of the teams that inquired about the players during their three matches.

“World Cup has played a big role in the players' career as they have exposed their potential to different clubs around the world,” said Cheche.

“There are scouts from Chicago Stars of the USA and Atletico Madrid of Spain, but we are still in contact, and we will release the names of players once it materializes.” She added.

Among the heavily scouted players include winger Marion Serenge, captain Elizabeth Ochaka, and her defensive partner Laureen Ilavonga, who missed the last match due to illness.

Cheche has rallied her charges to aim at qualifying for the next edition of the World Cup, a feat that will give them a big platform to exhibit their talents.

The Junior Starlets finished third in Group C after recording a solitary win against Mexico in their last match following two straight losses against heavyweights England and Korea DPR.

Both Korea and England have made their way to the semifinals, with England coach Natalie Henderson hailing the Kenyan team as a team with a bright future.

“Kenya was a good team. We knew they had character, and they had spirit, and a good future lies for them,” said Henderson after beating Japan in post-match penalties in the quarters.

England will face Spain as Korea tackles the USA in another last-four match to be played on Wednesday and Thursday.