Kenya U17 star Boke reveals how World Cup qualification could transform her family's life
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 10.07.26. | 12:33
Another successful outing at Nyayo would not only cement Kenya's place among the world's best youth teams for a second time in the tournament but would also move players like Boke one step closer to achieving dreams that stretch far beyond football
As Kenya's Junior Starlets prepare for the biggest match of their campaign against South Africa on Sunday, striker Faith Boke knows victory would mean much more than securing a place at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
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While qualification would cap another remarkable achievement for Kenya's rising stars, for the teenage forward it also represents an opportunity to change the fortunes of her family, who continue to rely on her despite her young age.
Boke has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Junior Starlets during the qualification campaign and played a decisive role in handing Kenya a crucial advantage in the final qualifying round.
The striker opened the scoring as Mildred Cheche's side claimed a 2-0 first-leg victory over South Africa at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria last weekend.
This left Kenya within touching distance of a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
With one more positive result standing between Kenya and another historic qualification, the youngster admits her motivation extends far beyond wearing the national colors on the global stage.
Speaking to FKF Media ahead of Sunday's decisive return leg at Nyayo National Stadium, Boke revealed that qualifying for the World Cup could become a life-changing moment for both herself and the people who depend on her.
"Going to the World Cup will change my life. I need to change my home. My home is not good, and I have many people depending on me. Qualifying for the World Cup will help me change their lives," she said.
Her emotional remarks showed the reality facing many young footballers across the country, where football is often viewed as a pathway to creating opportunities that extend well beyond the pitch.
For her, a successful World Cup campaign could provide the exposure needed to pursue a professional career and ultimately fulfill her dream of improving her family's living conditions.
Despite scoring in Pretoria and helping Kenya establish a healthy two-goal cushion, she insists there is no room for complacency as the Junior Starlets seek to finish the job on home soil.
The forward believes her goal in the first leg has only strengthened her desire to contribute even more when the two sides meet again.
"Scoring in the first leg motivates me to work even harder. I am eyeing at least two goals because I have been scoring one," she added.
The striker also called on Kenyan fans to rally behind the team, saying a packed Nyayo National Stadium could provide the extra push needed to secure qualification.
"Fans coming in large numbers will mean that we have massive support on the day. I therefore urge them to fill Nyayo Stadium, and we want to assure them that we will not disappoint."
Kenya heads into Sunday's encounter knowing they hold the upper hand after their impressive victory in Pretoria, but the Junior Starlets are also aware that South Africa have previously demonstrated their ability to produce results away from home
Another successful outing at Nyayo would not only cement Kenya's place among the world's best youth teams for a second time in the tournament but would also move players like Boke one step closer to achieving dreams that stretch far beyond football.