Mombasa Olympic Women’s football team coach Joseph Oyoo has said Junior Starlets must mastermind a tactical masterclass if the team hopes to progress to the latter stages of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Junior Starlets who are currently in Spain ramping up preparations ahead of their debut in the biennial competition, have two more friendly matches before heading to the Dominican Republic, the host nation of this year’s showpiece.
Oyoo, who was Harambee Starlets head coach in 2012, opines that the girls must not attack their opponents from the onset but instead study how their opponents play in the opening minutes before crafting a strategy on how to hurt them.
Former Harambee Starlets coach Alex Alumira is confident that Junior Starlets will not be affected by stage fright during the U17 World Cup next month.
«The technical bench and the players have to work in synchrony. It will be a tall order if Junior Starlets play attacking football from the start.
«I believe the team have to look at their rival’s structure of play. Playing defensively in the opening minutes will be a good move. From there on, they can take the game to their opponents and utilize the pace of the forwards,» Oyoo, who was Starlets’ assistant coach between 2003 and 2005 observed.
Playing on the front foot from the start has its disadvantage according to the seasoned tactician whose stint with Thika Queens lasted just five months.
«Endurance could be an issue if the Junior Starlets went toe to toe with their opponents. There’s no doubt that our rivals are superior but that doesn’t mean Kenya is a walk in the pack. If anything, the girls have what it takes to progress beyond the group stage.»
With three weeks left before the competition serves off, Junior Starlets will play their opening match against England on October 18.
Coached by Mildred Cheche, the Junior Starlets then entertain Korea DPR on October 20 and four days later rub shoulders with Mexico.
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.
«Good times are ahead. The Junior Starlets are a perfect example of defying the odds. I was criticised when I previously said that the starlets will grace the world cup before the men’s team but my prediction has finally come true,» Oyoo, who guided Mombasa Olympic to promotion to the top-tier last season stated.
«I hope the Junior Starlets will make the country proud by fighting for the country colours. It is also an eye opener to the federation. They must ensure maximum support for the women’s teams.»