Junior Starlets Coach Aims to Strengthen Squad Before Cameroon Clash

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche praised her team’s 3-0 victory over Uganda Women U17, securing advancement in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Uganda’s coach, Sheryl Botes, recognized Kenya’s superior quality. As the Junior Starlets prepare to face Cameroon next, Cheche aims to strengthen her squad for upcoming challenges.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche commended her team following a decisive 3-0 triumph over Uganda Women U17, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory in the qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Uganda coach Sheryl Botes acknowledged Kenya’s superior quality and the challenges ahead as the Starlets prepare to face Cameroon in the next qualifying round.

Cheche expressed her contentment with the team’s performance, stating, “We had prepared well for this match and I am happy for the win. The match against Cameroon is also going to be tough and between now and then, I will explore ways of beefing up the squad.” This preparation reflects her anticipation of the challenges they will encounter.

Sheryl Botes conceded that despite her team’s tactical efforts, Kenya’s superior skill level made a significant impact. She noted, “Our team is still a work in progress… There is still a gulf in class between us and them. They had players who have played in the World Cup and that made the difference,” indicating her commitment to improving Ugandan women’s football.

In terms of tactics, both coaches made adjustments to their starting line-up from the initial match. For the Junior Starlets, Brenda Awuor stepped in for Mwanakombo Bakari in midfield, while Patience Asiko replaced Brenda Achieng’ as the center-forward. This allowed captain Halima Imbachi to maintain her pivotal role.

Conversely, Uganda Women U17 continued with an unchanged front three, consisting of Charity Katusiime, Nusulah Nakintu, and Dorine Ajuat, while captain Agnes Nabukenya and Mariam Namataka remained in central midfield. Loyce Komugusha came in for Shadia Nabirye, reflecting the tactical needs of the game.

The next match for the Junior Starlets will be against Cameroon Women U17 in the third and final qualifying round for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. This event is scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 18.

In summary, the Junior Starlets have demonstrated remarkable preparation and execution leading to their aggregate victory over Uganda. Coach Mildred Cheche’s focus now turns to enhancing the squad for the forthcoming match against Cameroon, a formidable opponent. While Uganda continues to develop its women’s football program, both teams exhibit the evolving nature of this sport in Africa, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying round as they aim for participation in the World Cup.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke