President William Ruto has challenged Kenya’s Harambee Junior Starlets to target a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, saying the team has already proved it can overcome difficult opponents through determination, resilience and belief.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the team at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, the President congratulated the Junior Starlets for qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in the country’s history, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Kenyan football.
“You have qualified for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the second time in our history. You are going to Morocco to wear the colours of Kenya on the biggest stage in world football. There is no greater honour for any sportsman or sportswoman than representing their motherland before the world. Congratulations. The people of Kenya are incredibly proud of you,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State urged the players to set even bigger goals in Morocco, encouraging them to believe they have what it takes to compete with the world’s best teams.
“This time, I challenge you to aim even higher. Aim to qualify from the group stages. Believe that you can compete with anyone FIFA places before you,” he said.
Ruto praised the team’s remarkable comeback against South Africa’s Bantwana in the final qualification round. After taking a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Pretoria, the Junior Starlets came from behind to defeat South Africa 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium, sealing an emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory and securing a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The President singled out Gaudencia Maloba for scoring the crucial equaliser against South Africa, saying her goal sparked Kenya’s comeback and demonstrated the potential of young Kenyan athletes when given the right opportunities.
“That goal carries a lesson far greater than football. It reminds us that when young people are given an opportunity and trusted to perform, they often rise beyond every expectation,” he said.
He also recognised 16-year-old Elizabeth Opiyo, a Grade Nine student at Onding’ Junior Secondary School in Gem, Siaya County, for successfully balancing education with football and athletics, describing her and Maloba as shining examples of the immense talent among Kenya’s youth.
President Ruto paid special tribute to head coach Mildred Cheche, commending her for leading the Junior Starlets to two FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifications—an achievement no other Kenyan football coach has attained.
“Coach Cheche, today the nation salutes you. You have achieved something no Kenyan football coach, man or woman, has ever achieved. You have guided a national team to the FIFA World Cup twice. On behalf of the people of Kenya, I thank you,” he said.
The President also applauded the team’s technical bench, trainers, physiotherapists and support staff for their dedication and contribution to the team’s success.
In addition, President Ruto congratulated the Harambee Starlets for qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
“The country is truly proud of your achievement, and we shall be cheering you on as you represent us at the continental level,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from Cape Verde’s impressive performances on the international stage, Ruto encouraged the Junior Starlets to approach the World Cup with confidence.
“Cape Verde, a nation of barely 600,000 people, stood shoulder to shoulder with some of football’s biggest names. They reminded the world that courage can neutralise reputation and belief can overcome pedigree. Carry that lesson with you,” he said.
The President attributed the team’s success to sustained government investment in youth sports, talent identification and coaching development. He noted that more than 10,000 young athletes are currently enrolled in development programmes through schools, county governments and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
He added that several Junior Starlets players, including Elizabeth Opiyo, Gaudencia Maloba and Brenda Awuor, were identified through school sports competitions and Kenya Academy of Sports holiday camps.
Ruto further revealed that over 6,000 coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and sports administrators have undergone specialised training through the Kenya Academy of Sports and national sports federations to strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem.
On sports infrastructure, the President said Talanta Sports City in Nairobi is 95 per cent complete, while the government is constructing 32 modern stadiums across the country to support talent development.
He also disclosed that the government invested KSh4.5 billion during the last financial year to support national teams through accommodation, playing kits, allowances and logistics, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring Kenyan athletes remain competitive on the global stage.
