Junior Starlets back home as FKF attributes win to 'proper planning'

FKF General Secretary Dennis Gicheru says the Junior Starlets’ 2-0 win over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Saturday reflects strong preparation and teamwork.

He says the team produced a disciplined performance against the South Africans, but insists the job is not yet done ahead of the return leg in Nairobi.

“The result is a reflection of the work that has gone into preparing this team. The players executed their plan well and showed real quality on the pitch,” said Gicheru.

He called on fans to turn up in large numbers for Sunday’s return leg at Nyayo National Stadium and rally behind the team.

“We are asking Kenyans to come out and support the girls. They have put themselves in a good position and they deserve that backing at home,” he added.

FKF Head of National Teams Athanas Obala said the result underlined the importance of proper preparation and acknowledged the support received from the government.

“This shows what can happen when a team is well prepared. We appreciate the support from the government and everyone who has stood with the team,” said Obala.

The Junior Starlets are targeting a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance after making history in 2024 as the first Kenyan football team to feature at a FIFA World Cup.

The return leg will be played on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium, with the winner on aggregate qualifying for the tournament in Morocco.