• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 5 hrs ago

Junior Starlets coach Cheche demands strong mentality ahead of Uganda clash

Coach Mildred Cheche has challenged her players to adopt a winning mentality as the Junior Starlets prepare for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda later this month.

The Kenya U-17 women’s team is aiming to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time after making history with their first appearance in the Dominican Republic two years ago.

Speaking during the team’s training camp on Friday, Cheche said every match must be treated like a World Cup final if the team is to return to the global tournament in Morocco later this year.

“We have created a World Cup mentality for our players,” said Cheche. “Every match we play should be treated like a World Cup match. There should be no difference between playing England or Uganda.”

The Junior Starlets booked their place in the second round after beating Namibia 7-1 on aggregate in the opening round qualifiers.

However, Cheche admitted she was not fully satisfied with the team’s performance in the away leg and wants more intensity from her players.

According to the coach, the team must improve its energy, creativity and speed ahead of the two-legged clash against Uganda.

Kenya will face a familiar opponent after defeating Uganda 5-0 on aggregate during last year’s qualifiers. However, Cheche warned that the Teen Cranes have improved and will provide a tougher challenge this time.

“They are a good team and very aggressive. They won both home and away against Zimbabwe, so we expect a difficult match,” she added.

Cheche revealed that her technical bench is working hard to prepare the squad, especially on handling Uganda’s quick attacking players.

“We are training our players on how to tackle and overcome their aggressiveness. We also want the players to adapt faster because against Namibia we were a bit slow,” she explained.

The first leg will be played at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba in Uganda on Friday, May 22, before the return leg in Kenya on May 30.

The winner of the tie will move a step closer to securing a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.