Rising Starlets Set for Ethiopia World Cup Qualifier, FKF President Drums Support For Local Leagues

By Peter Bishop

Head coach Jacqueline Juma has named a 23-player Kenya Under-20 women’s squad to travel to Ethiopia for the second round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Rising Starlets depart for Addis Ababa tonight ahead of the first-leg encounter scheduled for Sunday, September 21, with the return leg to be played in Nairobi seven days later.

The squad features a mix of promising talent across the pitch. Goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo, defenders Elizabeth Ochaka and Patience Asiko, and forwards Michelle Waithera, Elizabeth Mideva and Lorna Faith are among the names expected to drive Kenya’s attack and defence during the two-legged tie.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed said he was confident the players would deliver after thorough preparations and thanked the government for its support in developing talent. Speaking after having lunch with the players on Thursady, Hussein said the government has significantly invested in sports, citing the recent pledge of building 30 new stadias

“We have taken enough steps as a federation to ensure that they are well prepared. We want to also take this opportunity to thank the government of Kenya for all the support through, of course, His Excellency the President, Dr. William Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary of Sports, Salim Mvurya, a, for the support that have extended to us over the last couple of months” Hussein said.

Hussein used the meeting to update the public on wider plans for the women’s game, saying the federation is in talks with corporate partners to secure sponsorship for the Women’s Premier League, stressing that the league must first be developed into an attractive product.

“We are speaking to potential sponsors for the Women’s Premier League. But before that, we need to build the value of the product so that it generates excitement and buzz around the competition,” he said. “That said, I can assure you there will be significant investment in women’s football next year.”

On fan behaviour and match-day security, Hussein warned of firmer action come next season in the premier league. He said the federation would move to rein in hooliganism in the domestic top flight ahead of the next season.

“Hooliganism is a problem we must face head on. Next season it will not be business as usual. We will be putting structures in place to protect the integrity of our leagues and the safety of fans,” he said.

Hussein also appealed to Kenyan football followers to support domestic competitions, arguing that local leagues are essential to nurturing national-team talent.

“It is important for Kenyans to take pride in our domestic leagues, not just foreign ones, because it is through them that our national players are groomed,” he added.

The Rising Starlets’ trip to Ethiopia represents a significant opportunity for the young team to test itself in a continental qualifying campaign. Progressing through the second round would move Kenya closer to a historic first appearance at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.  If they progress past Ethiopia, Kenya will meet either Tanzania or Angola in the third round.