Tukutane Nyayo: Ruto urges Kenyans to back Junior Starlets

The Junior Starlets head into the final qualifying match carrying a commanding advantage after defeating South Africa 2-0 in the first leg in Pretoria last weekend.

The victory has placed Kenya within touching distance of another appearance at the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup, with a draw or any victory in Sunday's encounter enough to seal qualification.

Should they progress, the Junior Starlets will qualify for the global tournament for the second time after making their historic debut at the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The 2026 edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7 and will feature 24 teams from across the world.

For the players, Sunday's fixture represents more than a qualification match. It offers an opportunity to return to the global stage while inspiring a new generation of girls pursuing football in Kenya.

Head coach Mildred Cheche will be hoping her side can replicate the disciplined performance they displayed in President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday to support the Junior Starlets as they seek to secure a second consecutive qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup.

In a video message shared on Saturday, the President urged fans to rally behind the national team, highlighting that the young players had earned the opportunity to compete for a place on football's biggest youth stage.

"Kenyans, just to remind you, our Junior Starlets team is 90 minutes away from qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup once again. The team has earned this moment. Now it's our turn as a nation to stand behind them," Ruto said.

He appealed to supporters to fill the stadium with national pride and encouragement as the Mildred Cheche-coached side prepares for the decisive return leg against South Africa's Bantwana.

"Let's fill the stadium with our flags, our voices and our belief in the next generation. This is more than football. One nation, one team, one dream. Tukutane at Nyayo Stadium this Sunday. Let's go, Kenya!" the Presiden

t added.Pretoria, where they kept a clean sheet and scored twice to put themselves in a strong position heading into the decisive home tie.

With history beckoning once again, all eyes will be on Nyayo Stadium as the Junior Starlets seek to complete the job against South Africa and book their ticket to Morocco, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see another Kenyan team shine on the world stage.