How Kenya U17 are preparing for crucial South Africa tie
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 30.06.26. | 14:14
The first leg will be held on Saturday, 4 July at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria with the return leg being staged on12 July at the Nyayo National Stadium
Kenya U17 Women's midfielder Mwanakombo Bakari has opened up on the team's preparations ahead of their crucial tie against South Africa.
The Junior Starlets will face South Africa in the third and final qualification round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
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The two qualifier matches are expected to produce fireworks, as South Africa have qualified for the World tourney twice.
Their latest appearance was in 2018, while Kenya competed in the 2024 edition held in the Dominican Republic.
With stakes high and preparation in top gear, Bakari revealed how the team has prepared for the matches.
“It has not been easy to get to this stage. We have given our best and will continue to do so. We have watched their matches, both home and away, and have seen their strengths and weaknesses, and now know what to do,” said Bakari.
The hard-tackling midfielder who was speaking at the sidelines of the team’s training at Kasarani Annex.
Meanwhile, she disclosed how the Ugandan clash in the last round will play a role when they meet Bantwana.
“The match against Uganda itself was not easy. We analyzed the mistakes that we made on the pitch with the assistance of video analysis to improve the team.”
Bakari also reported a positive mood in the Kenyan camp even as they work towards triumph over South Africa.
“Currently, we are just encouraging each other to give our best and keep working and see how the match will end at the end of the 180 minutes,” she added.
South Africa will host the first leg on Saturday, 4 July at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, before travelling to Kenya for the second leg set for Sunday, 12 July at the Nyayo National Stadium.