In a heartwarming display of support, President William Ruto officially flagged off Kenya’s Junior Starlets at State House on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, ahead of their departure to Spain. The team is gearing up for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, marking a monumental moment for Kenyan football.

Donning a personalized number 9 jersey with "WSR" emblazoned on the back, the Head of State fully immersed himself in the occasion. He joined the team on the State House grounds for a brief kickabout session, showing his enthusiasm for the sport and the young players. 

The energy on the field was palpable as President Ruto kicked the ball around with the 23-member squad, offering a symbolic start to their journey.

After the light-hearted training, Ruto waved off the team, who are set to leave on Thursday, September 19, for an 11-day training camp in Spain. Following their camp, the team will continue their preparations in the Dominican Republic ahead of the World Cup.

The ceremony at State House was graced by high-profile figures, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Peter Tum, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa. 

Mwendwa led the team in presenting President Ruto with a framed white jersey signed by all the players—a gesture of gratitude for his unwavering support. The President was also gifted another jersey, this time bearing the number 12, symbolizing his role as the "12th man" behind the team.

In his address, CS Murkomen lauded the team’s achievements, affirming the bright future ahead for Kenyan football. “This is a testimony that the future of football in Kenya is great and they are going to do a good job,” Murkomen stated, brimming with confidence in the young squad.

Ruto, too, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of their participation on the world stage. 

“Congratulations for achieving this feat. What you are going to participate in is historic. When the history of football in Kenya around the World Cup is written, your names will be in gold,” he stated, motivating the Junior Starlets to carry the nation's hopes with pride.

As Kenya continues to make strides on the global football stage, the Junior Starlets’ upcoming journey promises to be a defining chapter, not only for the team but for the country’s football future. With the backing of the nation’s top leadership and a squad brimming with talent, they are set to shine at the World Cup.

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.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche has revealed why Claire Meris and Mitshelle Waithera have been dropped from the World Cup-bound team.

Kenya U17 are set to depart the country for Spain where they will camp ahead of the World Cup but the duo will not be involved, an issue that saw them cry foul, after they had been part of the setup initially.

However, while unveiling her squad, Cheche laid bare the reasons for the duo’s exclusion which had raised eyebrows among observers.

“12 players, including Claire Meris, and Mitshelle Waithera, have not been selected for the final roster. Despite their significant contributions during the World Cup qualifiers, the coaching staff felt it was essential to prioritize a balance of fitness, form, and tactical alignment to ensure the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead,” said a statement from the team’s camp.

The squad is made up of 23 players who will leave for Spain on Thursday with friendly matches lined up for them to help them tune up for the World Cup which will take place from October 16 to November 3.

Meanwhile, Sheryl Amuok will also miss out on the World Cup owing to a knee injury sustained during the East Africa School Games.

Junior Starlets will kick off their group stage campaign against England on October 18 before facing North Korea two days later and complete their group action with Mexico on October 24.

Junior Starlets final squad: Goalkeepers: Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor

Defenders: Elizebeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango

Midfielders: Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato, Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith

Forwards: Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.

AFC Leopards to seek lessons from Yanga & Simba on how to transform governance model

AFC Leopards will soon embark on a benchmarking trip to Tanzania to learn from Yanga and Simba on how to successfully transition the club from community to corporate model.

AFC Leopards are set to seek lessons from regional counterparts Simba and Yanga on how to successfully transition from a community to corporate model.

Leopards are keen to transform the way the club is run by moving away from the current model of a community club to a corporate entity that will allow external investors to put resources into the club and a taskforce was recently formed to help bring this into fruition.

The Leopards corporate taskforce therefore intends to travel to Tanzania for a benchmarking process with Simba and Yanga who have successfully transitioned into a corporate model and are already reaping handsome rewards on and off the pitch.

“This initiative will explore various corporate models and their potential impact on the professionalisation of football in Kenya,” said taskforce chairman Vincent Shimoli.

“This tour aims to provide invaluable insights into the transformation milestones achieved by these clubs.”

The taskforce will engage Leopards’ members and stakeholders in a three-month civic education campaign from October to December with the aim of informing them the benefits of transforming the club from its current society structure into a more investor-friendly corporate model.

“We will utilise the club’s extensive branch network, the initiative aims to reach over 5,000 registered members and, by extension, more than six million fans across the country,” said taskforce secretary Richard Ekhalie.

A retreat will then be held by the taskforce in January next year to develop a comprehensive blueprint for the preferred governance structure after which it will be presented to the club’s members at the Annual General Meeting for ratification before adoption.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ DAN ~