WCQ: Juma backs fearless Starlets to seize home advantage againts Tanzania

Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma cited mental strength and match readiness as key considerations she prioritized when selecting the Harambee Starlets squad ahead of their two-legged FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifier against bitter rivals Tanzania.

Kenya will host Twiga Stars in the first leg on February 7 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg scheduled for February 14 at the Azam Complex.

The tie is crucial as the Rising Starlets continue their push for qualification to the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.

Coach Juma explained that the technical bench prioritized players capable of handling pressure, noting that Tanzania boasts several players with national team experience.

"We were mainly assessing the competition and selecting players who are mentally tough because this is a big stage. Tanzania have players who have played at the national team level, so we needed players who can match that," she said.

The selected squad is largely drawn from the team that recently edged out Ethiopia but also features fresh faces as the technical bench looks to build depth and competitiveness.

Fitness played a decisive role in finalizing the squad, with limited preparation time proving costly for some players.

"Some good players missed out because of fitness. They came into camp while still battling fitness issues, and we didn’t have enough time to work on that," Juma explained.

However, players active in the league and those who followed individual conditioning programs responded quickly.

Those who were away for school after folding the Ethiopia camp were also praised for sticking to the training plans issued by the technical team.

Coach Juma also sent a clear message to players stepping up from the Under 17 setups, stressing that past success does not guarantee progression.

"The fact that you went to the World Cup is not a guarantee that you'll step up to Under 20. You have to fight for it," she said.

Despite acknowledging Tanzania as a strong opponent, Juma remains confident in her squad's preparation.

"There are no small teams at this level. Tanzania is a good side; we are not taking any chances. We are ready and normally I say 90 minutes will decide," she added