Harold Ndege stepped up as Football Kenya Federation's new boss and quickly praised Junior Starlets after they beat Uganda 2-0 in their first match of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup second-round qualifier. Ndege took over from Patrick Korir, who left his position last week after just four months of running things. The former Tusker defender led the welcoming party that met the team when they landed at JKIA from Kampala Saturday morning at 11:30. Ndege works several jobs - he serves as Kenya Soccer Players Association Secretary General and holds a position as Customs Officer at Kenya Revenue Authority.
He pushed the girls to finish what they started and promised them complete backing as they tried to make it back to play against the best teams across the world. Edinah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola scored the goals that helped the team defeat the home squad at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala. Ndege spoke highly of everyone involved saying he felt proud of the players, coaching staff, and everyone who arranged their travel plans to Uganda and back. He stressed that FKF would keep supporting them through every possible way.
Head coach Mildred Cheche believes they've only completed half their mission and must fix a few mistakes if they want at least a tie that would move them ahead to the final qualifying stage. She described the match as difficult but praised her players for working hard enough to win away from home. Their preparation went well according to plan, and fresh faces on the squad adjusted quickly. She expects another tough battle when Uganda visits since they'll desperately hunt for three points. The coach emphasized staying focused and making their defense stronger to prevent any goals.
The Junior Starlets first played at the World Cup level in the Dominican Republic in December 2024. They skipped straight to the second round of qualifiers because of their ranking. Uganda earned their spot by crushing Namibia with an 18-1 combined score over two games. Kenya's young team heads directly to training camp at Kasarani Sports Complex stadium before hosting Uganda on Saturday for the return match at Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi. Morocco will host the ninth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup between October 17 and November 8 in Rabat.
He pushed the girls to finish what they started and promised them complete backing as they tried to make it back to play against the best teams across the world. Edinah Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola scored the goals that helped the team defeat the home squad at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala. Ndege spoke highly of everyone involved saying he felt proud of the players, coaching staff, and everyone who arranged their travel plans to Uganda and back. He stressed that FKF would keep supporting them through every possible way.
Head coach Mildred Cheche believes they've only completed half their mission and must fix a few mistakes if they want at least a tie that would move them ahead to the final qualifying stage. She described the match as difficult but praised her players for working hard enough to win away from home. Their preparation went well according to plan, and fresh faces on the squad adjusted quickly. She expects another tough battle when Uganda visits since they'll desperately hunt for three points. The coach emphasized staying focused and making their defense stronger to prevent any goals.
The Junior Starlets first played at the World Cup level in the Dominican Republic in December 2024. They skipped straight to the second round of qualifiers because of their ranking. Uganda earned their spot by crushing Namibia with an 18-1 combined score over two games. Kenya's young team heads directly to training camp at Kasarani Sports Complex stadium before hosting Uganda on Saturday for the return match at Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi. Morocco will host the ninth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup between October 17 and November 8 in Rabat.
