McDonald Mariga Outlines Plan to Guide Harambee Starlets to 2027 World Cup After WAFCON Qualification

Summary

• Harambee Starlets waliqualify for 2026 WAFCON
• Hii event itatake place in Brazil
• Mariga, the VP of FKF believes Starlets wako na a huge potential

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga has shared the federation’s roadmap to boost Harambee Starlets’ chances of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, following their qualification for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Starlets earned their ticket to the 2026 continental tournament after a commanding 4-1 aggregate win over Gambia in the final qualification round. Kenya began the campaign with a 3-1 triumph on home soil before sealing progress with a narrow 1-0 away victory in Senegal.

McDonald Mariga Confident Starlets Can Make the 2027 World Cup

Mariga believes the Harambee Starlets’ recent success marks the start of a promising journey that could lead them to their first-ever World Cup appearance. He emphasized that the federation is already working on strategies to ensure the team is adequately prepared ahead of the high-stakes tournament.

“The Women’s AFCON is not just about competing for the title; it’s a pathway to the World Cup,” Mariga explained. “We need to begin preparations early so that the team is well-equipped for the challenges ahead. If we manage to reach the semifinals, we automatically qualify for the World Cup, which makes this a very crucial tournament for us.”

The 2026 WAFCON will serve as Africa’s qualifying route for the 2027 World Cup, with the top four teams booking direct slots to Brazil. Two additional nations will proceed to intercontinental playoffs for another chance at qualification. Mariga expressed optimism that with the right planning and support, the Starlets could be among the teams heading to the global stage.

Federation and Government Support Key to Success

Mariga praised both the FKF leadership and the Kenyan government for their consistent backing of women’s football, saying the partnership has been instrumental in motivating players to perform at their best.

“I want to sincerely thank the federation under President Hussein Mohammed for standing with our teams,” he said. “Also, I appreciate President Ruto and the Ministry of Sports for their continued support. Such commitment boosts the players’ morale and pushes them to dream bigger.”

As the Harambee Starlets prepare for the 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, they are expected to face tough opposition from African powerhouses, including 10-time champions Nigeria, hosts Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia.

Despite the challenge ahead, Mariga remains confident that with early preparation and unwavering support, the Starlets can not only impress at WAFCON but also earn their spot at the 2027 World Cup.