Starlets make triumphant return after scoring 25 goals
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is vouching for full commitment by the government in supporting national women’s team Harambee Starlets which is increasingly making head-ways in international assignments.
FKF president Nick Mwendwa said while he acknowledges the support the government is giving Starlets, it was not enough especially given the high profile events the team is facing including the 2023 World Cup qualifier.
“Starlets have made a meteoric rise and obviously, this gives pleasure to Kenyans. We are happy with the support given to the team thus far but more needs to be done if we are to get more positive results,’’ said Mwendwa.
The FKF supremo made the remarks yesterday after Starlets made a triumphant return from Dar-es-Salaam where they beat hosts Tanzania 2-0 to clinch their first-ever Cecafa championship title.
Starlets’ trophy tour of the city started from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, through Mombasa Road, to the central business district, and onto the Thika Super Highway where the convoy snaked its way to Utalii Hotel.
The Starlets were treated to a luncheon at the hotel in the presence of Sports Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor, who was earlier at the airport to meet them on behalf of his boss Amina Mohamed.
“The victory is not only a milestone but also a pride of all Kenyans and I assure you of the government’s pledge to increase support towards the team in its quest to excel further,’’ said Noor.
Captain Mwanalima Adam, who scored five goals, said the success did not come on a silver platter and attributed it to dedication and discipline amongst the players.
“We thank God for the feat and I must say we learned our lessons after losing to Zambia in the Olympic qualifiers. I’m glad to report that each one of us had declared that there was no room for another error,’’ said Adam.
Head coach David Ouma has lofty plans after the Cecafa conquest with the 2023 World Cup their target now.
“We want to win the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and use it as launching pad for the 2023 World Cup. We have already shown the world what we can do and believe me, it’s possible,’’ said Ouma.
Mwendwa underscored the need for the team training a little bit longer to get the cohesion needed to challenge for honours in the 2022 Afcon qualifiers in which Kenya will bid to host.
