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Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen believes Junior Starlets will post impressive performances at the U17 World Cup despite being the underdogs.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the Junior Starlets will be a force to reckon with at the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic from next month.
The CS' comments come in the wake of a 1-1 draw with footballing powerhouse Portugal as Kenya maintained their unbeaten record in friendly matches in Spain, where the team is currently camped.
Portugal took the lead in the 24th minute from the penalty spot but Kenya restored parity in the 60th minute after a fine team move that saw Joan Ogola find the back of the net. The Junior Starlets dismantled Valencia CF Women 4-1 in their first match earlier this week.
Ahead of their last friendly match against Intercity on September 30, Murkomen believes the team is capable of something special during the tournament proper that serves off on October 16 to November 3.
"Our Junior Starlets are up to something special. One win and one draw in the pre-tournament friendlies in Spain on Wednesday and today respectively. They will start their campaign in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on 18th October against England. Good luck," he revealed via X (Twitter).
Zambia and Nigeria are the other African representatives in the biennial global event as Kenya makes it's maiden appearance. Kenya etched their name in African women's football history by becoming the latest team to qualify for the first time in the Women's Under-17 category.
The Junior Starlets secured their maiden ticket by triumphing over Burundi 2-0 in Nairobi, sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory.
Nigeria will be one of the fevourites from Africa, having participated in six of the seven previous editions of the finals. Zambia also raised their hand as worthy contenders after seeing off stiff competition, including Morocco enroute to qualification.
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