Junior Starlets’ head coach Mildred Cheche has named a provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged qualification round against DR Congo for the second round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup next month.
They begin with the first leg in DR Congo on February 4 followed by the second leg at home on February 11.
Madira Girls’ Valerie Nekesa, who starred for the Rising Starlets U20 Women World Cup qualifiers last year, tops the list.
The young forward bagged a hat-trick against Angola as the Rising Starlets saw them off 4-0 in their backyard.
She also had an outstanding performance in the 2022/23 Women Premier League (WPL) Division One, winning the Golden Boot with 37 goals in just 22 matches as the Soccer Assassins were crowned champions.
Also included in the list is Butere Girls forward Diana Anyango who helped the Red Commandos book a spot in the finals of the Kenya Secondary School ball games in Kakamega last year with a solitary goal in the semi-finals against Madira Girls.
The Red Commandos further proceeded to clinch the title, denying Wiyeta a record-extending ninth title in the competition.
The 30 players called up will join the camp on Wednesday. After the two legs, the winner of the tie on aggregate will proceed to the third round.
Goalkeepers
Velma Abwire (Wiyeta Sec.Sch.), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Sec.), Effie Awuor (Madira Girls), Esther Akumu (Kibaoni Sec.)
Defenders
Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Sec. Sch.), Elizebeth Ochaka (Shiraha Starlets), Clare Meries (Kobala Sec. Sch), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Rose Nangila (Wiyeta), Dorcas Glender (Butere Girls), Vivian Amondi (Dr. Charles Sec. Inyanzi), Judith Nandwa (Butere Girls), Kimberly Akinyi (Madira Girls)
Midfielders
Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed), Shani Stacy Shemaiah (Shree Cutch Sastsang), Brenda Awuor (Madira), Bridgit Maria (Wiyeta), Sheila Akinyi (Kariobangi North Sec.), Susan Akoth (Acakoro Ladies), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (Lwak Girls)
Forwards
Valerie Nekesa (Madira Girls), JoyAngela Valencia (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Sunflower Junior), Diana Anyango (Butere Girls), Winnie Wangeci (Dadstar), Catherine Wambui (Madira Girls), Patience Kasichana (Uweza Women), Marvelous Joy (Ogande Girls), Marion Serenge (Arch Bishop Njenga).