Cheche admits Kenya’s first appearance at the global tournament provided valuable lessons, which she believes will help the team approach this year’s campaign with greater confidence and understanding. “We were participating for the first time, and we did not understand the competition well, but now we are going with experiences we learnt from the first edition,” Cheche said.
Kenya have been drawn against China, the United States and Samoa, but Cheche insists the team is heading to Morocco with ambitions of advancing beyond the group stage. “We are playing against very tough opponents: China, USA and Samoa, but this time we are going to compete and not participate. We are aiming to move beyond the group stages,” she said.
The tactician believes the technical bench has done its homework and prepared the players for the tournament’s demands. “Based on the last World Cup experiences and how the girls played in the qualifications, we are ready for the World Cup. We know what to expect, and we are preparing our girls on how to adjust,” she noted.
Cheche said the mood in camp has been positive, with the players motivated to make their mark on the global stage. “The camp has been good. Most players are psyched up for the World Cup,” she said.
However, Kenya will travel without some key players initially, with injuries and club commitments affecting the squad. Cheche revealed that Faith Boke is still recovering from injury, but the technical bench is hopeful she will be fit before the tournament begins. Mwanakombo Bakari, meanwhile, will link up with the team in Morocco after completing her commitments elsewhere.
“We have few injuries, like Faith Boke, who is still recovering, and we hope before the tournament starts she will be ready to compete. Mwanakombo Bakari will also join the team in Morocco; she is competing where she is,” Cheche said. Kenya will also step up their preparations with a series of friendly matches in Spain, where they are scheduled to face Australia and clubs including Real Betis and Cardiff.
“We have a couple of friendlies lined up in Spain where we are looking forward to playing Australia and some clubs such as Real Betis and Cardiff,” she said. The Junior Starlets have already tested themselves against tough opposition at home, including boys’ sides and local Premier League teams.
“We have also been playing against tough opponents locally, the boys and local Premier League teams. I’m hoping that the preparation counts in the World Cup,” Cheche added.
With the tournament fast approaching, Cheche says the focus will be on helping the players remain composed and make the right choices when it matters most. “We are encouraging them to make the right decisions in the game,” she said.
