Kenya Under-17 women's head coach Mildred Cheche has expressed confidence that the Junior Starlets have the mentality and discipline required to complete the job against South Africa and secure a second consecutive FIFA U17 Women's World Cup appearance.
The Junior Starlets host South Africa's Bantwana at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, July 12, carrying a commanding 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Pretoria.
Victory or even a narrow defeat would see Kenya qualify for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, becoming one of the few African nations to qualify for consecutive editions after making history with their maiden appearance in the Dominican Republic in 2024.
Speaking ahead of the decisive qualifier, Cheche said her players have developed the belief that they can produce results away from home against strong opposition, a mentality she believes has been key throughout the qualification campaign.
"At the beginning of this journey, it was pretty difficult. We knew that all countries were prepared," Cheche said.
"Playing against Namibia, we knew it was a tough opponent. We didn't underrate them despite their previous results. The girls did well away by getting two goals, and then played really well at home."
She pointed to Kenya's performances throughout the qualifiers as evidence of the team's growing maturity.
After overcoming Namibia in the opening rounds, the Junior Starlets eliminated Uganda before stunning South Africa 2-0 away from home in the first leg of the final qualifying round.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets in action against Uganda’s Teen Cranes during their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at FUFA Stadium, Kampala, on Friday, May 22, 2026. (Photo: Junior Starlets)
"Playing against Uganda was very tough because they had a great team. Playing well away was something we worked on with the team. When we go away, we want to secure at least a point or three points. Against Uganda, we secured a point, while against South Africa, we secured three points and two goals."
"That mentality that winning away is possible has worked really well for us."
Despite holding a healthy aggregate lead, Cheche insists her side will not approach Sunday's encounter with complacency, warning that South Africa remains a dangerous opponent capable of mounting a comeback.
"For every game, we prepare for all situations. We prepare for a draw, we prepare for a loss, and we prepare for a win. But at this particular moment, we are preparing for a win."
"Having an advantage is one step, but we do not take for granted that South Africa is still a good team. We've prepared the team for all circumstances."
The coach also revealed that the technical bench has not overlooked the possibility of the match being decided by penalties should South Africa overturn the first-leg deficit.
Kenya's recent record in penalty shootouts across various age-group national teams has been disappointing, but Cheche says her players have been prepared mentally and tactically for every possible scenario.
One of Kenya's biggest strengths, according to the coach, has been the versatility within the squad.
Cheche singled out Faith Boke as one of several players capable of performing in multiple positions, giving the technical bench valuable tactical flexibility during matches.
"Having a player who can literally play in any position is very good."
"In our selection this year, that's what we were looking for - players who can play in more than two or three positions. Faith Boke can play in at least four positions, and that is a plus for the team."
She added that players such as Beverley and Brenda also offer similar flexibility, allowing Kenya to adapt depending on the demands of each match.
Junior Starlets in training © Harambee Starlets fb
Beyond the current squad, Cheche acknowledged that identifying talent remains one of the biggest challenges facing Kenyan youth football due to limited scouting structures. However, she credited the strong partnerships built with academies, schools and grassroots coaches over the past two years for helping expand the talent pool.
"We still have untapped talent in the community that we haven't seen."
"What has worked well for us since 2024 is having a good relationship with academies, school teams and coaches in the community. Whenever they see a good player, they call me and tell me, 'Coach, you should come and see this player.' That has worked really well for us."
Cheche also provided a positive injury update ahead of Sunday's decisive encounter, confirming that almost the entire squad is available for selection.
"At the moment, we don't have any serious injuries apart from Grace Momo, who had a chest problem. She missed both the first leg and the return leg preparations, but the rest of the players are fully fit for the match."
Assistant coach Beldine Ongera echoed Cheche's sentiments, cautioning that Kenya must remain focused despite their first-leg advantage.
Having previously worked in South African football, Ongera warned that Bantwana possess enough quality to make life difficult for the Junior Starlets if they lose concentration.
"It will be a difficult match. It will not be easy. South Africa has a history of playing very well, and they cannot be underestimated."
She also welcomed the growing national support behind the team, saying the encouragement from fans and national leaders has lifted the players' confidence ahead of one of the biggest matches in their young careers.
"The 12th player always gives confidence to the girls. When they see the support coming from everyone, including the President, they know the whole country believes in them."
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