Ruto sets ambitious World Cup target for Junior Starlets, backs Harambee Starlets to shine
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 14.07.26. | 13:09
The President also reaffirmed the government's commitment to sports development, revealing that more than 10,000 young athletes are enrolled in structured talent development programmes
President William Ruto has challenged the Junior Starlets to make history by reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, while urging Harambee Starlets to proudly fly Kenya's flag at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday morning during a breakfast meeting held in honour of both teams, Ruto praised the Junior Starlets for qualifying for Kenya's second FIFA U17 Women's World Cup and congratulated Harambee Starlets for ending a 10-year absence from WAFCON.
Addressing the Junior Starlets, the Head of State urged the players to dream beyond qualification and believe they can compete against the world's best.
"This time, I challenge you to aim even higher. Aim to qualify from the group stages. Believe that you can compete with anyone FIFA places before you," Ruto said.
The President reflected on Kenya's impressive comeback against South Africa in the final qualifying round, recalling Gaudencia Maloba's vital equaliser before the Junior Starlets completed a 3-1 victory at Nyayo Stadium to secure a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
He highlighted Maloba and Elizabeth Opiyo as examples of the immense football talent found across the country, stressing that success is not defined by one's background.
"Where you come from does not determine where you can go. Talent is not confined to big cities. Greatness can emerge from every village, every school and every county," he said.
Ruto also paid tribute to Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche, applauding her for becoming the first Kenyan football coach to lead a national team to two FIFA World Cups.
"You have achieved something no Kenyan football coach, man or woman, has ever achieved. On behalf of the people of Kenya, I thank you," he said.
Turning to Harambee Starlets, Ruto urged the team to embrace the challenge of returning to WAFCON for the first time since 2016 and assured both squads of the nation's full support.
"You carry the hopes and pride of every Kenyan, and we wish you every success as you represent our nation," he said.
The President also reaffirmed the government's commitment to sports development, revealing that more than 10,000 young athletes are enrolled in structured talent development programmes, over 6,000 coaches and sports administrators have received specialised training, Talanta Sports City is 95 per cent complete and Ksh4.5 billion was invested in national teams during the last financial year.
He concluded by urging both teams to seize the moment and make the country proud in Morocco.
"When you step onto that pitch, remember that badge is bigger than football. It carries the dreams of millions of Kenyans. Go and make history once again," Ruto said.
