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Kenya U-17 coach has analysed England, North Korea and Mexico as her charges prepare to make history in the Dominican Republic next October.
As the Junior Starlets gear up for their historic debut at the U17 Women’s FIFA World Cup, head coach Mildred Cheche has offered a detailed analysis of the team’s group stage opponents. Kenya, placed in Group C, will face England, Korea DPR, and Mexico in the tournament set to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024.
With just weeks remaining before the event, the team is currently in their second week of intense training in Nairobi. The Junior Starlets will also travel to Spain for an intensive training camp starting on September 19, as they prepare for their World Cup opener against England on Thursday, October 17.
Speaking to the media, Cheche shared her thoughts on the challenges ahead. Despite the strength of their opponents, she remains confident in her team’s potential. “Yes, we've had extensive analysis and research for the teams. They have good teams who have been participating in the World Cup in previous years,” she said.
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However, Cheche views Kenya's underdog status as a possible advantage. "Being our first time, most people see us as underdogs, but I take it as an advantage because no one knows how we play. So yeah, we have a big task, but we're up for it."
Kenya’s first opponent, England, is a formidable side with a strong history in the U17 Women’s World Cup, having finished fourth in 2008. England’s recent form is particularly intimidating, with only one loss in their last 11 games. They have secured dominant wins, including an 8-0 victory over Hungary, a 6-0 demolition of Belgium, and a 5-1 triumph over Sweden.
Acknowledging the challenge England poses, Cheche remained composed: “Yes, again, it's England. It's one of the important matches because it's our first match. It will show us the level we are. So, yeah, it's a very important match.”
The Starlets will also face Korea DPR, one of the tournament favorites. Korea DPR boasts a rich history in the competition, with three finals appearances and titles in 2008 and 2016.
Their recent success in the Asian U-17 Women’s Cup, where they won all five games, further highlights their dominance. Key players include Jon Il-chong, the tournament’s golden boot winner, and Pak Ju-gyong, who secured the golden glove.
Cheche acknowledged the strength of the Korean side, stating, “You know North Korea. They are also very, very clinical. All teams at the World Cup, they are extremely good. And not just in our group, not just England, Korea DPR, or Mexico. Participating at the World Cup, they are really good. And whoever we are playing, we will be up for the task.”
Mexico, Kenya’s third opponent, has consistently qualified for every U-17 Women’s World Cup since 2010. In the recent CONCACAF U-17 girls' competition, Mexico showcased their quality by topping their group and defeating Canada in the semi-finals before falling 4-1 to the United States in the final.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Cheche remains optimistic about her team’s chances of progressing.
“The intended target is to go beyond the group stages, [it's] possible, but we are going to do our best. We cannot limit ourselves to just the group stage or say we will reach the final. So I think the first match should be able to tell where we can go,” she added.
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