By David Ndolo
Head coach Jackline Juma has unveiled the final Rising Starlets squad set to face Tanzania over two legs in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The selected squad is largely made up of the team that recently edged out Ethiopia, but it also features a blend of fresh talent and returning players as the team continues to build depth and competitiveness ahead of the crucial tie.
Among the notable inclusions is Jenevive Mithel, who makes a return to the national team setup after previously featuring for Kenya’s U17 side. Her comeback adds valuable international experience to the Rising Starlets.
The squad also welcomes Hilder Natecho and Pauline Nalima, who earn their maiden call-ups to the national team. The duo impressed during camp and are set to get their first taste of international football at the U20 level.
Kenya will host Tanzania in the first leg on 7 February at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg on 14 February at the Azam Complex.
The Rising Starlets will be aiming to secure a positive result at home before heading to Tanzania as they continue their push towards qualification for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Squad List
Goalkeepers
- Christine Adhiambo
- Velma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets)
- Ephy Awuor (Soccer Assassins)
Defenders
- Jenevive Mithel (Nyakack Girls)
- Triza Ekesa (Gideon Starlets)
- Dorcas Glender (Ulinzi Starlets)
- Diana Anyango (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets)
- Patience Asiko (Butere Girls)
- Pauline Namisi (Dessert Scorpions)
Midfielders
- Pearl Olesi (St Joseph’s Girls)
- Lornah Faith
- Halima Imbachi (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Susan Akoth (Zetech Sparks)
- Jerrine Adhiambo (Mathare United Women)
- Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Rebecca Odato (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Fasila Adhiambo
Forwards
- Valarie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins)
- Hilder Natecho (Archbishop Njenga)
- Emily Morang’a (Kenya Police Bullets)
- Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets
