Rising Starlets Coach Jackline Juma unveils provisional squad for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya’s Rising Starlets have begun preparations for their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, with head coach Jackline Juma unveiling a provisional squad ahead of a crucial second-round tie against Ethiopia.

The team, which earned a bye in the first round, will begin their journey away between September 19 and 21 before hosting the return leg in Nairobi from September 26 to 28. The winner will progress to the third round, where either Tanzania or Angola awaits in February next year.

The call-ups mark the start of an intensive camp process, with players reporting in two phases as the technical team looks to trim the squad.

Selection will be based on performance, fitness, and tactical readiness for the double header against Ethiopia.

Juma echoed the optimism, highlighting the mix of experience and fresh talent within the team.

“Our squad is comprised of players from the Women’s Premier League, NSL, Division One, and even some from school. A number have transitioned from the under-17 to the under-20 team, but we also have a new group of nearly 60 players joining in phases of 30 each. We had to blend experienced players with the under-17s to build a formidable team capable of delivering the results we want,” she explained.

Mathare United Women’s midfielder Jerrine Adhiambo says the team is determined to make history on the road to the World Cup.

“We are looking forward to winning the matches and getting to the World Cup like the under-17 team. Everyone in the squad is pushing themselves because each player wants to be in the final squad and get the chance to travel and play in the upcoming matches,” she said.

Juma’s choices reflect a deliberate blend of youth and experience, with several graduates from the Junior Starlets U17 side that played in last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic earning promotion.

Among them are Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, and Lornah Faith.

They will be joined by more seasoned names, including Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva, who are expected to bring stability and leadership to the youthful side.

The Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Velma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Adhiambo (Kobala), Christine Adhiambo (Butere), Ephy Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Ezra Nekesa (St Joseph’s, Kitale)

Defenders

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Christine Asule (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Habiba Matecho (Coast), Ariana Wanjiku (Melvins Lion Academy), Sauda Henry (MTG), Florence Kalekye (Kangundo Starlets), Saumu Chizi (Changamwe Ladies), Molvine Owuor (Kayole Starlets), Valary Oyugi (Azidi Academy)

Midfielders

Naomi Ongachi (Dagoreti Mixed), Leah Sicheti (Langalanga Secondary), Beverlyn Awuor (Mathare Women), Velma Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Rebecca Odato (Kenya Police Bullets), Halima Imbachi (Butere), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Velma Kavesh (Zetech Sparks), Josephine Jumwa (MTG), Anastasia Munyiva (Charles Muli, Matuu)

Attackers

Brenda Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (Bishop Njenga), Roseline Mbeyu (Changamwe Ladies), Beffine Shalley (Kobala), Khadija Furaha (Kobala), Marion Serenge (Zetech Sparks), Valarie Nekesa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lornah Faith (Butere), Jerrine Adhiambo (Mathare Women), Brenda Achieng (Madira Soccer Assassins), and Mitshel Waithera (Mathare Women)