Kenya's Junior Starlets have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating South Africa 3-1 in the final qualification round.

National Economic Development Party leader Mike Sonko donated KSh1 million to celebrate the team's achievement, calling it a testament to hard work and discipline.

The victory, which came after a 5-1 aggregate win, marks Kenya's second consecutive qualification for the tournament, highlighting the country's growing reputation in women's football.The team, coached by Mildred Cheche, will now prepare for the tournament in Morocco, aiming to build on their experience from the 2024 edition.

Sonko emphasized the importance of investing in young talent, stating the donation would motivate the players as they represent Kenya on the global stage.This milestone underscores the progress in Kenyan football and the commitment to nurturing female athletes.