With better support, Junior Starlets can do better

Editorial
By Editorial | May 02, 2025

The U17 Kenya Women's national football team Junior Starlets at Nyayo Stadium on April 20, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

After Junior Starlets missing a chance to return to this year’s Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco last week, it is time for concerned stakeholders to start working towards the 2026 qualifiers.

Kenya failed to rewrite history by qualifying for the global showpiece for the second time in a row after losing 3-1 to Cameroon in their return leg match last Friday at Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé. Mildred Cheche’s side went to West Africa trailing 1-0 from their first-leg encounter in Nairobi.

While the girls played their hearts out in both legs, it was evident they couldn't match the Cameroonians’ physicality, with Junior Starlets’ defensive lapses and profligacy upfront costing them a ticket to the World Cup slated for October 17 to November 8 in Morocco.

But the government and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) should quickly switch focus to providing an enabling environment and the support that the technical bench deserves to start scouting for new players across the country, starting with the upcoming school games.

Equally, the current team should not be disbanded but maintained, with those past the age bracket transitioning to the senior ranks (Rising Stars and Harambee Stars). It is only through such structures that the women’s teams will continue flying the country’s flag higher on both continental and global scenes. Despite being eliminated, the government and FKF should show some appreciation to the team for how far they have come. Remember, the girls tore Uganda apart with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory in the previous round. That performance was no mean feat, and it indicates that the girls have what it takes to compete with the best in the world.

Additionally, to motivate the current crop of players, the government should either provide scholarships to the students or cater for their studies both locally and abroad. This is the best moment to implement former Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s idea of integrating sports and education. The government can partner with reputable universities both locally and abroad to ensure the players can excel both in class and on the pitch.

Share this story
For Nairobi United to rise, mighty Gor Mahia had to fall
Nairobi United, also known as Naibois, completed a fairy-tale season on Sunday after stunning giants Gor Mahia 2-1 in the FKF Cup final at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
School Games: Onjiko banned for three years as Kisumu Day to face Kisumu Boys in semis replay
The verdict, issued by the County Director of Education’s office, followed investigations conducted between June 21 and June 24, confirming that Onjiko breached the KSSSA constitution.
Selestine and Karia swings to victory at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu
Karia carded an impressive 41 stableford points to beat a strong field in the event that attracted top golfers from across the region.
Kibue crowned in Nakuru as Kaburu stars in Nyali
The Nakuru Golf Club, known for its excellence in golf, hosted the sixth edition of the Tee-Off with Crown Paints series, which was graced by a strong field of 168 golfers.
Champs Thunder silence KPA as Phoenix hit Eldonets in KBF ties
National Bank of Kenya Phoenix on Sunday beat Eldonets Platinum 60-51 in a Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League match played at Nyayo Gymnasium.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS