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The midfielder has explained why Junior Starlets facing Portugal and Valencia during their training camp in Spain will help them ready for their U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup escapade.
Junior Starlets midfielder Pearl Olesi has expressed the team's excitement and optimism ahead of their scheduled friendly matches in Spain.
The Kenyan side, currently camped in Alicante, is gearing up for their debut appearance at the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup set to take place in the Dominican Republic next month.
These preparatory friendlies are expected to play a crucial role in fine-tuning the team ahead of the prestigious tournament.
The Junior Starlets will face formidable opponents during their 11-day training camp in Spain. Their first match will be against Valencia CF Women on September 25, followed by a clash with Portugal two days later.
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05:40 - 19.09.2024
President Ruto calls for inclusion of omitted players Sheryl, Meris & Mitshell in Junior Starlets' delegation to U17 Women’s World Cup
President Ruto has called for the inclusion of the three girls who were left out of the final Junior Stars squad named for the U-17 Women's World Cup set to take place in the Dominican Republic to be part of the delegation as support.
The team will wrap up their friendlies with a match against Intercity on September 30. These games, according to Olesi, are vital in improving the squad’s match fitness and sharpening their skills as they prepare to compete on the world stage.
“We’re really enjoying our time in Spain. The training has been intense, and we’re looking forward to these friendlies. Our goal is to get positive results and sharpen our skills as we prepare for the World Cup," Olesi stated.
The friendlies offer the team a unique opportunity to face top European opposition, a factor that will help them build cohesion and test their tactical awareness against high-caliber opponents.
Under the guidance of head coach Mildred Cheche, the 24-member squad has been hard at work since their arrival in Spain.
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21:00 - 18.09.2024
Pomp and colour as President Ruto officially flags off Junior Stars to historic U-17 World Cup
The 23-member squad, set to leave on Thursday, September 19, 2024 and will be accompanied by eight officials as they prepare for the highly anticipated tournament.
Monday marked the fourth day of their training, with the team focusing on both physical conditioning and tactical drills. The squad, which includes a mix of talented defenders, midfielders, and forwards, will use these friendly matches to assess their readiness for the tournament.
The FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup is scheduled to run from October 16 to November 3, 2024. Kenya's Junior Starlets, making history as the first Kenyan football team to qualify for the World Cup, will kick off their group stage campaign on October 18 against England.
They will then face Korea DPR on October 20 before concluding the group stage against Mexico on October 24. These friendlies will be pivotal in preparing them for these challenging fixtures.
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16:17 - 18.09.2024
Junior Starlets coach sheds light on why duo was dropped as final World Cup squad is unveiled
Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche has explained the absence of Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera from the World Cup-bund team after their exclusion had raised eyebrows.
Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, and Scovia Awuor will be tasked with keeping clean sheets in the goalkeeping department, while the defense will feature Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, and Diana Anyango. Pearl Olesi, who headlines the midfield, will be joined by Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, and Lorna Faith.
In the attack, Cheche has called upon Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, and Joy Angela Valencia to provide the goals as the team looks to make an impact in their first-ever World Cup.
As the Junior Starlets continue their preparations, the importance of these friendly matches cannot be understated. They offer a chance for the players to gauge their progress, work on their tactical game, and improve their fitness ahead of what promises to be a challenging but historic tournament for Kenya.
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