The Harambee Starlets have received a KShs 10 million prize after making history by becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
The U17 Women’s team thrashed Burundi 2-0 and 5-0 on aggregate propelling them to the year’s global competition in the Dominican Republic. READ FULL STORY
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba expressed his pride during the prize-giving ceremony held at the Carnivore Restaurant, hailing the girls for a lifetime performance.
“It is a pleasure to cheer and support you. An honour to reward you with Ksh10 million in recognition of your historic achievement of getting to the very summit. The first Kenyan team ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup at any level.
“You have made our country proud and pumped incredible wind in the sails of women’s football in Kenya. We honour you, Junior Starlets. Hongera!” a statement shared on his social media platforms read.
The Junior starlets gave a thrilling match at the Fifa-U17 World Cup qualifiers at a packed Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, June 16, sealing the fate of their Burundian counterparts by the first half, where Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa scored to secure their win.
Commanding the lead since the beginning of the match, the Junior Starlets showed incredible skill, with the first goal hitting the net by the 17th minute.
Goalkeeper Clairia Nshimirimana let her guard down after she collided with two of her defenders in her attempt to reach the ball, allowing Kenya’s Serenege to seize the loose ball and score into an empty net.
Six minutes later, the score was 2-0 as Nekesa netted her first goal of the qualifiers, intercepting the ball from a Burundian defender, charging into the box, and firing a low shot past the keeper. A thunderous cheer erupted from fans, fueling the girls’ determination to conclude the match with exceptional flair.
Junior Starlets will debut in the World Cup alongside Nigeria, who will be making their eighth appearance at the tournament, and Zambia who will be making their second.
