Kenya’s Junior Starlets have achieved another significant milestone following their historic performance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The team, along with coach Mildred Cheche and forward Valerie Nekesa, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards.
The Junior Starlets made history by becoming Kenya’s first-ever team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. Competing in the U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, they managed a remarkable performance that included their first World Cup victory, a 2-1 win over Mexico. This accomplishment has earned the team a nomination for the National Team of the Year Award, an acknowledgment of their extraordinary journey.
Coach Mildred Cheche, who guided the Junior Starlets from the qualifiers to their World Cup campaign, has been nominated for the Coach of the Year Award. Under her leadership, the team not only secured qualification but also showcased resilience and competitive spirit on the global stage. Cheche joins a list of esteemed nominees, including prominent African coaches who have made significant contributions to women’s football during the year.
Her nomination highlights the recognition of emerging talent in African women’s football, as Cheche played a pivotal role in steering Kenya into uncharted territory in the sport. The CAF Awards statement emphasized her achievement, noting her success in qualifying the team for its maiden FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearance, an achievement celebrated across Kenya.
Forward Valerie Nekesa, a standout performer for the Junior Starlets, has also been recognized for her exceptional contributions. Nekesa’s goals were instrumental in Kenya’s World Cup qualification, and she cemented her place in history by scoring the nation’s first-ever goal at the global tournament. Her performance in the victory over Mexico showcased her talent and determination, earning her a nomination for the Young Player of the Year Award.
Nekesa’s competition for the award includes several other talented young players from across the continent, reflecting the rising quality of women’s football in Africa. The nomination underscores her impact not only in Kenya but also on the international stage, where her skills and achievements have brought pride to her country.
The team’s nomination for National Team of the Year recognizes their remarkable achievements as they competed against the odds to represent Kenya at the highest level. Their journey has been a source of inspiration, highlighting the growing potential of women’s football in the country and the continent at large.
The 2024 CAF Awards, scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, will honor the best in African football over the past year. The winners will be determined through votes from a diverse panel comprising the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and head coaches and captains of member associations and clubs involved in CAF interclub competitions.
Kenya’s representation at the CAF Awards is a testament to the progress being made in nurturing young talent and fostering competitive women’s football in the country. The recognition of the Junior Starlets, their coach, and their star player reflects the strides being made to elevate the game and provide a platform for future success. With the eyes of the continent on Marrakech, Kenya will hope their achievements inspire continued growth and investment in the sport.
