Junior Starlets coach counts blessings as team inches closer to another World Cup
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 06.07.26. | 09:44
The tactician credits the seamless transition to the close collaboration between Kenya's Under-17, Under-20 and senior women's national teams
Kenya Under-17 women's national team coach,Mildred Cheche,has hailed the successful transition of several members of the historic Junior Starlets squad into the senior Harambee Starlets, describing it as clear proof that the country's player development pathway is delivering results.
The praise comes as the Junior Starlets stand on the brink of qualifying for a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Cheche's side took a giant step towards Morocco 2026 after defeating South Africa 2-0 in the first leg of the final qualifying round in Pretoria, on Saturday, and will look to finish the job in the return leg at home next Sunday.
The prospect of another World Cup qualification further underlines the progress Kenya has made since Cheche guided the country to its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 2024.
Several players from that groundbreaking squad have since graduated to the Harambee Starlets, including: Valerie Nekesa, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge and Pearl Olesi, with many becoming key members of the senior national team that recently qualified for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
"I am really proud to see most of my girls who went to the World Cup now featuring in the senior team. It shows the worth of the work we are doing at the grassroots and the pathway we have for progression," Cheche told CAFOnline.
Cheche credits the seamless transition to the close collaboration between Kenya's Under-17, Under-20 and senior women's national teams, allowing talented players to progress naturally through the ranks.
"We have a good relationship between the three teams and this makes sure we have smooth transition between these age categories," she said.
"This is the reason we have many players transitioning. It is a key foundation because when we have consistent players moving up, it means we have healthy competition and more players being produced."
With another generation now within touching distance of the World Cup, Cheche believes Kenya's development model is continuing to produce players capable of succeeding on the international stage while strengthening the future of the Harambee Starlets.
