Ambitious Awuor eager to leave a mark on her World Cup debut

Junior Starlets's Velma Awuor (right) and Valarie Nekesa at Kasarani annex training ahead of the global competition set to be held in the Dominican Republic in October. Sept 17, 2024.[Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Kenya national U17 girls team, Junior Starlets, leave the country tomorrow for a pre-World Cup training camp ahead of the 2024 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup set for Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3.

One of the players eager to make a mark in the Dominican Republic showdown is Velma Awuor.

The Nyakach Girls Secondary School midfielder is promising to pump in goals at the historic games where Kenya will be making a debut, same way she did during their World Cup Qualifiers against Ethiopia and Burundi which ended on a 3-0 and 5-0 aggregate in that order in Kenya's favour.

"I'm promising at least two goals at the World Cup, this I'm so sure of," Awuor told Standard Sports at the training at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

Awuor says their aim is to top the tough Group C which also has Korea DPR, Mexico and England, and if possible to end the tournament with a podium finish.

"Tutajituma (we will stretch beyond our limits), the games will be tough but I don't think our opponents will beat us because we are preparing well,” said Awour.

“Again, Kenya is going there as underdogs so there is this notion that we are weak. They won't believe it."

Awuor says they have scrutinised their group stage opponents and have realised that they are not all that imposing.

"Through the video analysis we have done on YouTube, they are not that threatening. The opponents are beatable. We will ensure we find the back of the net in each fixture," she highlighted.

Featuring at the World Cup means a lot to Awuor who hopes to play professional football in the future.

It's a dream come true for her at such a tender age.

"It feels great, I used to hear the likes of Brazil, England and France during World Cup matches but never thought that I'll also be playing on that level one day when still young. This is a huge achievement, it's history that we have made," she said.

Velma Awuor during raining. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Knowing very well that scouts will be in the Dominican Republic in plenty to identify and tap talents, Awuor plans to put her best foot forward in the matches as her target is to land a top club to play for professionally after the sporting extravaganza.

She is also quick to admit that there is pressure in their camp as everyone wants to perform well in the World Cup, and this sometimes forces the players to resort to prayers to calm their nerves.

Due to her passion for the game, Awuor intends to revolve her life around football, with intention to be a high level tactician or a Fifa recognised referee in the future.

Kenya’s opening match at the World Cup will be against England on October 17, 2024 followed by a clash with Korea DPR on October 20. They will conclude their group campaign against Mexico on October 24.

Head coach Mildred Cheche is expected to name her final squad for the World Cup today before the team's departure to Spain and ultimately to the Dominican Republic.