Rising Starlets coach Jackline Juma spoiling for football fight against Ethiopia

Kenya’s Under-20 women’s football team head coach Jackline Juma says her side is mentally ready and steadily sharpening their game ahead of the two-leg FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

The first leg is set for Addis Ababa from September 19th to 21st, and the return in Nairobi in the week of September 26th and 28th.

Juma began camp with nearly 60 players but has since trimmed the squad, with some dropping out due to either documents, or school commitments. She however remains upbeat.

 “So far, so good,” she said after a training session at the Kasarani Stadium. “We’ve been trimming and recalling players as we go. Some couldn’t report because of exams or paperwork, but the group we have is focused and mentally ready.”

At the same time, she expects the squad to feature Kenya Police Bullets players from the CECAFA qualifiers, along with Mercy Akoth Oduor, who is expected back from the Chapa Dimba training camp in Spain, bringing valuable experience to the Rising Starlets.

 “Having those players is an added advantage,” Juma noted. “They know what it takes to handle Ethiopia and will help guide the rest of the team.”

Juma is methodically shaping her team’s technical and tactical readiness. “Technically, we’re about 80 percent there and tactically we’re progressing well,” she explained. Test matches are being used to build fitness, starting with 45-minute games and extending toward 60 to 75 minutes ahead of the first leg.

While eager to attack, Juma stressed the importance of defensive solidity and the value of an away goal.

 “An away goal matters a lot, and we’ll try to get it,” she said, “but our defending must be superb. Managing the away fixture is key.”

With mental readiness high, fitness improving, and U17 graduates bringing proven quality, Jackline Juma’s careful squad management and focus on disciplined defending could be decisive as the Rising Starlets chase a place at the 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup to be held in Poland next year.