Junior Starlets to ramp up preps for U17 World Cup berth with CECAFA tests
By Luke Oluoch, June 12, 2026Kenya’s U17 girls’ team, the Junior Starlets, is set to renew rivalry on the continental front against junior peers as the 2026 CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship kicks off on June 13, 2026, in Tanzania.
The CECAFA championship arrives at a crucial moment for the Junior Starlets.
Beyond competing for regional honours, the tournament presents a valuable opportunity for the team to continue building cohesion, assess tactical approaches, and gain competitive match experience ahead of their highly anticipated FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying tie against South Africa.
Kenya recently advanced to the third and final qualifying rounds of the global competition after edging the Uganda Teen Cranes on away goal rules.
The national team outfit now faces the fancied South Africans in a decisive two-legged playoff to determine one of the candidates for the U17 category.
Ahead of the championship, Coach Mildred Cheche has summoned an experienced crop of players, maintaining the core of the squad that recently featured in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Jael Nanjala, midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno, Grace Chari, and Elizabeth Awuor are among the new additions.
The quartet comes in to strengthen the team as Ivy Atieno, Idah Matara, Daisy Adongo, and Grace Wangari drop out of the previous squad.
The junior team has its work cut out with formidable opposition awaiting them. Kenya will begin their championship campaign against Sudan on Saturday, June 13, 2026, before facing Somalia on Sunday, June 15, 2026. The group stage will conclude with an encounter against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday, June 17.
CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship Squad
Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo, Martha Wekhomba, Vallary Achieng
Defenders: Namisi Pauline, Jael Nanjala, Boke Faith, Atieno Sheila, Grace Mumo, Bevarline Awuor
Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Khatenje Fleviah, Noelina Akuku, Brenda Awuor, Grace Chari, Gaudancia Maloba, Lindey Weey Atieno
Forwards: Brenda Achieng, Elizabeth Alizeba, Patience Waithira, Emily Adhiambo, Wambui Tabitha, Elizabeth Awuor
Fixtures
Kenya vs Sudan | June 13 | 1300hrs | KMC Stadium
Somalia vs Kenya | June 15 | 1600 hrs | Azam Complex
Tanzania vs Kenya | June 17 | 1600hrs | KMC Stadium