Rising Starlets are banking on belief and mental resilience as they step up preparations for their third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Tanzania on February 7.
Defender Jenevieve Mithel said the team is physically and mentally ready for the challenge after an intense camp. “We are well prepared and confident,” Mithel said. “Training has been good, and the support has helped us grow. We believe we can beat Tanzania.”
Kenya will host the Tanzanite Queens in the first leg on February 7 at Ulinzi Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 3.00 pm, before travelling to Dar-es-salaam for the return leg on February 14 at the Azam Sports Complex.
Midfielder Lornah Faith said the squad has made significant progress in their second week of residential training. “The camp has really helped us improve,” Faith noted. “We are pushing ourselves every day, and as a team, we are determined to give our best.”
Faith drew inspiration from the country’s recent success at the Under-17 level, where Kenya qualified for the 2024 World Cup. “That experience showed us what is possible,” she said.
“The coaches have worked a lot on our mentality, and that will be key in these matches. Pressure is part of football, but if you handle it positively, it helps you perform better.”
Defender Diana Anyango also stressed the importance of mindset, saying belief and discipline will guide the team. “Our mentality will determine how far we go,” Anyango said. “We trust the coaches, and we trust each other. If we stay focused and fight together, we can qualify.”
She added that players and coaches share responsibility for success. “We all have roles to play. When the team is mentally aligned, it becomes easier to execute what the coaches want,” she said.
Kenya reached the third round after an impressive second-round display against Ethiopia, winning 4–1 on aggregate following a 1–1 away draw in Addis Ababa and a commanding 4–0 home victory in Nairobi.
The performance boosted confidence within the camp as the Rising Starlets chase a place in the final round of the qualifiers and keep their World Cup dream alive.
by CHARLENE MALWA
