Former Harambee Starlets coach Alex Alumira believes culture shock will not affect Junior Starlets’ performance in the upcoming Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup as the team fine-tunes in Spain.
Alumira, who guided Vihiga Queens to four Kenya Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles before joining Tanzanian giants Fountain Gates Princess two years ago, believes the series of friendly matches in Spain will lift the mental fortitude of the squad.
The serial-winning coach lauded the technical bench for retaining most of the players that have gained experience in the top-tier WPL as well as in the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSA).
Exciting Junior Starlets wonderkid Marion Serenge has revealed the position she believes they can finish at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, further revealing her career targets.
«The exposure will come in handy for the girls. The camp in Spain and the friendly matches still to be played will instil confidence into the team, if the results we’ve seen so far is any barometer,» Alumira said.
«Culture shock has been Kenya’s Achilles heel in women’s football but this time round, the technical bench and the federation did a good job by taking the team for camp in Spain. We cannot burden the players with expectations but obviously culture shock won’t be a problem.»
The Junior Starlets dismantled Valencia CF Women 4-1 on Wednesday in one of the three test matches lined up for the team. Valerie Nekesa and Lindsey Weey both scored a brace but Alumira said patience is key if the team need to deliver at the global stage.
The midfielder has explained why Junior Starlets facing Portugal and Valencia during their training camp in Spain will help them ready for their U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup escapade.
«The players are in their right stage of development where they need to play more. Most of them will again play in the next world cup in two year’s time because they are only 14 years. They (players) need a peace of mind and the right environment to thrive in,» he stated.
On Friday September 27, the Junior Starlets entertain Portugal before rubbing shoulders against Intercity three days later when the 11-day camp will come to an end.
The biennial showpiece will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, 2024. Kenya faces a herculean task in a pool consisting England, North Korea and Mexico.
President Ruto has called for the inclusion of the three girls who were left out of the final Junior Stars squad named for the U-17 Women's World Cup set to take place in the Dominican Republic to be part of the delegation as support.