How much Junior Starlets players received after sealing World Cup spot
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 14.07.26. | 13:58
Other elected leaders present also made cash donations, with the total amount being shared equally among the players and members of the technical bench
Junior Starlets were rewarded for their historic qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, with each player and member of the technical bench receiving Ksh42,000 in cash.
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The money came shortly after Sunday's memorable victory over South Africa at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The rewards were courtesy of leaders, who joined the post-match celebrations following Kenya's 3-1 comeback win.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko led the contributions with a Ksh1 million donation.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga added Ksh200,000, while nominated MP Irene Mayaka contributed Ksh50,000.
Other elected leaders present also made cash donations, with the total amount being shared equally among the players and members of the technical bench.
The financial rewards capped a memorable evening for head coach Mildred Cheche and her charges, who once again etched their names into Kenyan football history after also qualifying for the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic.
Unlike their maiden appearance, where Kenya exited in the group stage after defeats to North Korea and England before signing off with a victory over Mexico, Cheche is determined to ensure the Junior Starlets go a step further in Morocco.
"We now have to prepare well and focus on getting better results. We want to go past the group stages and I believe we have the ability to do it," Cheche told CAF Media.
The celebrations looked unlikely in the opening minutes after South Africa struck in the fifth minute through Katlebo Malehana, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to reduce the aggregate deficit. Kenya, however, withstood sustained pressure from the visitors for the remainder of the first half before producing a spirited response after the break.
Gaudencia Makokha restored parity in the 70th minute with a well-taken header before substitute Elizabeth Opiyo transformed the contest.
The lively forward won the penalty that Brenda Awuor calmly converted to put Kenya ahead before adding the third goal herself, finishing off a swift counterattack after being picked out by Brenda Achieng to spark wild celebrations inside the packed Nyayo National Stadium.
Cheche hopes the Junior Starlets can build on the lessons from their debut appearance in 2024 and become the first Kenyan football team to progress beyond the group stage at a FIFA World Cup.
