Ruto tells Junior Starlets to aim higher ahead of FIFA U-17 World Cup

President William Ruto has challenged the Harambee Junior Starlets to aim beyond the group stage at the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup, saying the team has already shown it can overcome tough opponents through determination and belief.

Addressing the team during a breakfast meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, Ruto said the government's continued investment in young talent, coaches and sports infrastructure was aimed at helping Kenyan athletes succeed on the international stage.

He congratulated the Junior Starlets for qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup for the second time in Kenya's history, describing the achievement as a major milestone for the country.

He said the players would travel to Morocco carrying the hopes and pride of millions of Kenyans as they prepare to compete against some of the best teams in the world.

"You have qualified for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in our history. You are going to Morocco to wear the colours of Kenya on the biggest stage in world football. There is no greater honour for any sportsman or sportswoman than representing their motherland before the world. Congratulations. The people of Kenya are incredibly proud of you," he said.

Ruto also congratulated the Harambee Starlets for qualifying for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.

"The country is truly proud of your achievement, and we shall be cheering you on as you represent us at the continental level," he said, noting that their qualification is a reminder that success comes from people who remain committed despite challenges.

"Extraordinary achievements are rarely born from extraordinary circumstances. They are born from ordinary people who simply refuse to surrender when the odds are against them."

He recalled the team's qualifier against South Africa at Nyayo National Stadium, where the Junior Starlets came from behind to win 3-1 and secure a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Ruto said the team's response after going into half-time trailing demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

He praised Gaudencia Maloba for scoring the equaliser against South Africa, saying the goal inspired the team’s comeback and showed what young people can achieve when given opportunities.

"That goal carries a lesson far greater than football. It reminds us that when young people are given an opportunity and trusted to perform, they often rise beyond every expectation," he said.

He also recognised Elizabeth Opiyo, a 16-year-old Grade Nine student at Onding’ Junior Secondary School in Gem, Siaya County, for balancing education with football and athletics, saying she and Maloba represented the potential of Kenya’s youth.

The President praised Coach Mildred Cheche for guiding the Junior Starlets to the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup twice, saying she had achieved a milestone no Kenyan football coach had reached.

"Coach Cheche, today the nation salutes you. You have achieved something no Kenyan football coach - man or woman - has ever achieved: You have guided a national team to the FIFA World Cup twice. On behalf of the people of Kenya, I thank you," he said.

He also applauded the technical bench, trainers, physiotherapists and support staff for their contribution.

Ruto challenged the Junior Starlets to aim for the knockout stage in Morocco, urging them to believe they can compete against any team.

"This time, I challenge you to aim even higher. Aim to qualify from the group stages. Believe that you can compete with anyone FIFA places before you," he said.

He told the players to draw inspiration from Cape Verde’s performance at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, saying determination can overcome reputation.

"Cape Verde, a nation of barely 600,000 people, stood shoulder to shoulder with some of football’s biggest names, including Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina. They reminded the world that courage can neutralise reputation and belief can overcome pedigree. Carry that lesson with you," he said.

The President said the Junior Starlets’ success was linked to investment in youth sports, noting that more than 10,000 young athletes are enrolled in development programmes run through schools, county governments and the Kenya Academy of Sports.

He added that players, including Elizabeth Opiyo, Gaudencia Maloba and Brenda Awour, were identified through school sports programmes and Kenya Academy of Sports holiday camps.

Ruto said more than 6,000 coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and sports administrators had undergone specialised training through the Kenya Academy of Sports and national federations.

"We are equally investing in the people who produce champions. More than 6,000 coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and sports administrators have undergone specialised capacity-building programmes through the Kenya Academy of Sports and our national federations," he said.

On sports facilities, he said Talanta Sports City in Nairobi was 95 per cent complete and that 32 modern stadia were being built across the country.

He added that the government invested Sh4.5 billion in the last financial year to support national teams through accommodation, kits, allowances and logistics.