Trailblazers in the making: How Kenya's Junior Starlets excelled at World Cup

In a year when hopes were sky-high for Kenyan football, it was the unassuming Junior Starlets who would end up flying the national flag to unprecedented heights on the global stage.

Competing at the 2024 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, this spirited group of young women from Kenya became the first team in the country’s history—male or female—to notch a win at a Fifa World Cup.

Despite their journey ending at the group stage, their inspiring run has made them a symbol of national pride, proving that even junior players can achieve what Kenya’s senior squads, including the Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets, have yet to accomplish.

From the outset, the Junior Starlets entered the tournament not only as debutants but as underdogs in a group that included football powerhouses.

The squad, comprising 23 promising players, carried the hopes of a nation as they lined up against well-prepared opponents who had already established a presence in previous tournaments.

Yet, rather than being daunted, the young players exhibited a fierce determination to make their mark—a determination that would fuel one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets.

Their journey reached a crescendo on October 24, when the Starlets clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexico, leaving the 27,000-capacity Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium buzzing with excitement.

Striker Valerie Nekesa was quick to make her presence felt, deftly connecting with a cross from forward Joan Ogola in the 15th minute to give Kenya an early lead. As the ball rippled the net, Nekesa’s joy was palpable, and for a moment, the world saw Kenya through her exhilaration.

Reflecting on the goal, she said: “I can’t believe it—it’s yet to sink in. Scoring for Kenya in the early minutes motivated us to perform better in the game.”

Her goal, the first ever scored by a Kenyan at a World Cup, was more than a statistic; it was a statement of intent.

As if the lead wasn’t enough, midfielder Lorna Faith doubled the score in the 36th minute with a clinical finish that left Mexican goalkeeper Camilla Vazquez scrambling. Faith’s goal was a textbook example of technique and composure, executed with an ease that belied her age.

Her brilliance earned her the coveted Player of the Match award, making her the second Kenyan to receive this recognition at a World Cup, a feat that had eluded even seasoned players.

Faith, a student from Butere Girls High School, was overwhelmed by the honour.

“This reward means a lot to me, and to my career. I was just doing what I did on the field, and I’m surprised that someone else was watching,” she said.

Despite Mexico’s last-minute penalty goal by Alexa Soto, which added a layer of tension to the dying minutes, Kenya’s young squad held their nerve to secure the historic win. In her post-match remarks, head coach Mildred Cheche was visibly moved by her players’ achievements.

“What worked for us was the speed; we were clinical and at the same time outpaced the opponents. We used our chances well this time around,” Cheche explained, noting that the victory was a testament to the team’s preparation and tactical discipline.

“It means my side is the first Kenyan team to attend and win a match at the World Cup. I’m proud of that because that is sweet history.”

The win not only etched Kenya’s name into the World Cup record books but also offered a glimpse into the immense potential that lies within the country’s youth football.

The team finished third in Group C, behind double champions North Korea, who steamrolled England 4-0. With three points from their single win, the Junior Starlets showed they could compete on the world stage, foreshadowing a promising future for Kenyan women’s football.

The journey may have ended at the group stage, but the memories forged and the accolades won will endure as the bedrock of Kenya’s football aspirations.

Among the standout players in the squad were the fearless goalkeepers Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor, and Scovia Awuor, who showed resilience under pressure, standing tall against seasoned attackers.

Defenders like Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, and Christine Adhiambo formed a formidable backline, with each player stepping up to the challenge in their unique style.

In midfield, Velma Awuor, Brenda Awuor, and Rebecca Odato orchestrated play with poise, while Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, and Pearl Olesi brought energy and vision, threading key passes that led to goals and breakaways.

The forwards—Nekesa, Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, and Jane Kweyu—kept opposing defences on high alert with their relentless runs and clinical finishing.

Of special note is Marion Serenge, who joined the ranks of the tournament’s top five fastest players, clocking sprint speeds that captured the attention of spectators and pundits alike.

Serenge’s achievement added another layer to Kenya’s legacy in the tournament, bringing international acclaim to the Junior Starlets and cementing their reputation as rising stars in the sport.

Her feat earned her congratulations from fans across social media, with many Kenyan fans hailing her as the “pride of Kenya.”

Serenge, in her assessment of the journey, acknowledged the immense learning opportunity the World Cup had provided.

“As first-timers, I can just say it was a good experience. We got the needed exposure, and we learned lessons that will strengthen the team in the coming editions.”

She noted that while the competition was fierce, Kenya’s young squad rose to the challenge, proving their mettle against teams that had competed on this level for years.

The experience has left the players yearning for more. Faith, who found her confidence and ambition reinvigorated by the tournament, urged her teammates to keep pushing themselves.

“Don’t sleep on your laurels. Work hard to get even better clubs. Let’s set wild goals that will scare us, and let’s transport our talents to Europe and across the world in pursuit of our success.”

In a rallying cry that spoke to the heart of their journey, she added, “If we become successful, let’s help others struggling in the game so they come out of their rut.”

The team’s victory also carried a powerful message to Kenyan football authorities.

Coach Cheche echoed a plea for the federation and government to invest more in women’s football, ensuring these young players gain exposure through international friendlies and competitive tournaments.

Such investments, she argued, are crucial to building on this achievement and cultivating a pipeline of talent that could one day bring more glory to Kenya on the world stage.

While the spotlight has now shifted to the quarterfinalists of the World Cup, Kenya’s Junior Starlets have left an indelible mark.

They brought pride and honour to their homeland, united fans, and showed that with grit and heart, even the most daunting of stages can be conquered.

Their journey may have started as an underdog story, but it has ended with a new vision for Kenya’s football—a vision shaped by the achievements of a group of teenagers who dared to dream big.