Kenya’s U17 Derby Set to Shine at CAF GIFT Tournament in Tanzania
InfoSport: Kenya’s U17 Derby is set to showcase talent at the CAF GIFT Tournament in Tanzania, paving the way for future soccer stars in women’s football.
Kenya’s football future takes center stage at the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from January 7–18, 2025. With an all-Kenyan derby on January 13, 2025, featuring the Kenya Academy of Sports and Kenya Elite Junior Academy, this tournament aims to identify talent for upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Strong Foundations for Talent Development
The Kenya Elite Junior Academy joined the tournament following the withdrawal of Bahir Dar Kenema (Ethiopia), creating an exciting Group A showdown as both Kenyan teams aim for dominance. This match represents a rare opportunity for young talent to gain international exposure while positioning Kenya as a contender in women’s football.
Coach Jacqueline Juma leads the Kenya Academy of Sports, leveraging her experience as one of the few CAF A-accredited female coaches in the country. Concurrently, the Kenya Elite Junior Academy is guided by Mildred Cheche, a CAF B-certified coach who previously led a team to a FIFA World Cup. Their leadership will set the stage for a highly competitive derby.
Optimizing Performance for Future Success
As Kenya prepares for qualifiers in March 2025 against teams like Namibia or Uganda, the CAF GIFT tournament serves as a crucial proving ground. Players are motivated to secure their places in the Junior Starlets team, striving for excellence against their domestic rivals.
Fans can catch the action with other matches, including JKT Queens facing Kenya Academy of Sports on January 7 and Kenya Elite Junior Academy taking on City Light FC on January 8 at the Azam Complex. Each game is not just a fixture but a step towards laying the foundations for long-term success in women’s football.
Call to Action
Join us in supporting our young athletes as they embark on this journey. Keep an eye on the thrilling matches and cheer for our teams as they aim for glory. The future of Kenyan football is bright; let’s rally behind these future stars!
