Okere impressed with Starlets preps for Uganda

Rising Starlets head coach Charles Okere is beaming with confidence ahead of their second round FIFA 2022 Under-20 World Cup Qualifier against Uganda on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium- Nairobi.

Okere, who is primary the Harambee Starlets head coach will be in charge of the junior national team against Uganda who jetted into the country on Thursday.

According to the former Tusker FC assistant coach, the quality he has seen in the  team gives him the certainty of cruising past Uganda.

“We are really happy with what they have shown us. We went around the country looking for the best players and to compose this team but they have showed us they are really ready for the task head,” said Okere.

Okere said the match will be a big test for the newly assembled team, noting Ugandans have historically been tough opponents for Kenya in football at different levels.

“We respect them because they have a good team, and it is always a match to watch whenever Kenya meets Uganda. We are however ready, even psychologically to handle the pressure that comes with a national team duty,” he added.

Rising Starlets captain Eunice Mwangi is not bothered by the “little time” they had to prepare for the match, saying they can now play as a unit.

“When the team started training it was not easy for most of us because this is the first time we are playing together. However, after almost a week in training, we now understand each other,” she noted.

The second leg is set for October 8 in Kampala, with the aggregate winner will facing the winner between Mozambique and South Africa in the third round.

Only two teams from Africa will qualify for the World Cup after five qualifying rounds.