Aasai

Kenya’s Rising Starlets have entered camp to prepare for their second round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia. Kenya’s journey to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is about to begin, and Coach Jackline Juma has named her provisional squad for the second round of the qualifiers. After a bye in the first round, Kenya will face Ethiopia in their opening match of the campaign. 

The two-legged tie will begin in Ethiopia between September 19-21, 2025, with the return match scheduled to be played in Nairobi between September 26-28, 2025. The winner of that match will advance to the third round, where either Tanzania or Angola will have to wait until February 2026. The qualifiers will include a shortlist of players who will participate in a final technical training camp. The first group of players are continuing to report to camp this week, while the second group of 30 players is expected to join next week. 

From these two groups, Head Coach Jackline Juma and her staff will make final selections based on performance, fitness and tactical suitability ahead of the Ethiopia clash. Coach Jackie’s initial call-up already shows a balance of youthful promise and seasoned experience. In particular, several players from the Junior Starlets U17 squad, who competed in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, have been promoted.

 Coach Juma has called up a mix of rising stars and experienced players. Several youngsters who competed in last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic have progressed to the U20s, including Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, and Lornah Faith. They will join veterans like Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva to provide leadership and consistency to the squad.

 The preparations include two training camps in Nairobi, with the first group already reporting this week. The second group of players is expected next week before the technical bench will finalise the squad for the Ethiopia match. Among them are: Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, Elizabeth Ochaka and Lornah Faith. Adding steel and stability to the side are experienced campaigners such as Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva. 

The Technical Bench includes Head Coach: Jackline Juma, First Assistant Coach: Mildred Cheche, Second Assistant Coach: Charles Bruno, Goalkeeper Coach: Frankline Miheso, Team Doctor: Edith Macharia, Kit Manager: Naomi Mumbua, Strength and Conditioning: Danson Kago, Video Analyst: Frank Ouma, Team Safety Officer: Mivu Kemuntoria Manager: Mivu Kemuntoria