On January 22, 2024, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that Mildred Cheche has been appointed as the new head coach of the U17 women’s national team. Cheche, along with Ann Aluoch, is one of the few women in the country who holds the Confederation of African Football (CAF) B license. Both Cheche and Aluoch participated in a four-month coaching course at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) last year.

In addition to her role as head coach of the U17 women’s national team, Cheche will also continue to serve as the assistant coach for the senior women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, as well as the Rising Starlets. The FKF released a statement on Monday confirming Cheche’s appointment and mentioning Aluoch as her assistant.

The Junior Starlets technical bench will also include Rebecca Auma as the kit manager, Samuel Muringu as the video analyst, Esther Aluoch as the physiotherapist, and Geoffrey Okoth as the fitness trainer. Betty Meeme will serve as the team manager, Edith Macharia as the team doctor, and Dick Francis as the goalkeeper trainer.

The Junior Starlets are scheduled to play against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the first leg of their upcoming fixture on Sunday, February 4. They will then face their opponents again in Nairobi on Sunday, February 11. This fixture is part of the preparation for the 2024 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3.