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.

Shabana's Gusii drama, Austin Odhiambo & Sharrif Musa masterclass: Talking points from FKFPL match week four

Four big talking points from matchweek four of the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League.

Following an unforgettable weekend of FKF Premier League action that saw a mixture of thrilling performances, team drama, and notable individual displays, there were several takeaways that we took from matchweek four.

With the international break upon us and the fact there isn’t set to be action for another three weeks, here are four key takeaways we got from that clash.

After a week that saw Gor Mahia grab the headlines for multiple reasons that divided opinion amongst fans, their opening performance of the season against Mathare United will at least put smiles on their faces.

Gor Mahia had to deal with the wounds inflicted on themby a ruthless Al Ahly during the second round of the 2024/25 CAF Preliminary stage. They also had to deal with the fact that two players, including key player Rooney Onyango, were summoned to the disciplinary committee following a fall out with head coach Leonardo Neiva.

Their new Sheria Ngowi kits, which have splashes of black colour, were also released, and they donned them against Mathare, who they ruthlessly brushed aside, leaving the fans ecstatic.

Austin Odhiambo and Sharrif Musa both ran the show. Odhiambo netted the first goal in sublime style, slaloming through three Mathare markers before releasing a ferocious left footed shot from an impossible angle into the back of the net.

He also created Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng’s third goal after nonchalantly turning another player in the box before setting it up well for the vice captain to score, leaving Neiva with a memorable first league game in charge of the Green Army.

The fans will surely be entertained by that football, compared to the pragmatic approach of previous coach Johnathan McKinstry.

2. Francis Kahiro cannot stop scoring

Francis Kahiro netted his fourth goal of the season as KCB continued their fine start to life under Partick ‘Luwowo’ Odhiambo.

Kahiro, who returned after a six-month spell with Bandari, looks more efficient in front of the goal, having been previously wasteful despite his industrious nature. 

His goal against Ulinzi Stars was well taken. He got on the end of a shot-cum-pass by Faraj Ominde before finding the back of the net.

With his aim being to get into the national team, he will want to prove that he can continue finding the back of the net, flanked by good friend James Kinyanjui and Patrick Otieno, a member of the national team on the other flank, in efforts to help KCB show they can finally win the title.

3. Drama at Gusiii Stadium

It was another tumultuous week for Shabana FC, as their match against Tore Bobe at Gusii Stadium was controversially called off. Initial reports cited security concerns raised by referees, but Football Kenya Federation later clarified that the match officials had ‘disappeared,’ allegedly after feeling intimidated. 

This uncertainty follows a string of unfortunate events surrounding Shabana, including hooliganism from their fans after a game against Ulinzi Stars last week.

The FKF had initially handed the club a five-match ban due to the vandalism and injuries caused by fans, but the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspended the ruling. 

Despite the chaos, Shabana saw record attendance with up to Ksh 1.5 million collected from ticket sales. While they’ll be looking for smoother weeks ahead, the club's passionate fanbase continues to support in droves.

4. AFC Leopards break duck against City Stars

AFC Leopards are quietly building momentum in their quest to end a 26-year wait for the league title. 

Their 2-1 win over Nairobi City Stars broke a frustrating spell, having struggled against them in recent seasons. This victory, coupled with their triumph over Bidco United the previous week, shows that Leopards are finally overcoming their "bogey" teams.

The introduction of Ovella Ochieng, who made his much-anticipated debut, adds depth to their attacking options. With variety and strength across the squad, the team’s hopes for a title challenge are looking increasingly realistic. 

If they maintain this trajectory, AFC Leopards might just find themselves back at the summit of Kenyan football.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ DAN ~