Starlets coach Cheche in Switzerland for a FIFA Elite Performance Program - Citizen Digital

Junior Starlets Head Coach Mildred Cheche is among the coaches at the ongoing prestigious FIFA Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Program, which began on Thursday in Zurich, Switzerland.

Cheche, who made history in June 2024 by becoming the first coach to qualify a Kenyan football team for the World Cup, leading the Junior Starlets (Kenya U17 Women’s team) to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the  Dominican Republic, continues to break new ground.

Her latest appointment places her among a select group of coaches globally, tasked with exchanging knowledge, developing advanced coaching strategies, and fostering excellence in football.

The FIFA Elite Mentorship Program is designed to provide a structured platform where experienced and emerging coaches connect to share expertise, best practices, and tactical innovations.

It promotes continuous learning, with a focus on elevating coaching standards in the ever-evolving world of football.

Cheche, who also once served as assistant coach for the Harambee Starlets, holds a CAF B License and a Bachelor of Science in International Management.

In 2024, she was nominated for the CAF Women's Coach of the Year Award, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most promising coaching talents.

Her inclusion in the FIFA mentorship program is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for Kenyan football, especially in promoting opportunities for women coaches.

Cheche has credited FIFA and the Football Kenya Federation for supporting the growth of female coaches and creating avenues for professional development.

“Through this connection, there’s transfer of best practices, innovative strategies, and tactical insights that are essential to succeed at the highest level of the game. Thank you to FIFA and Football Kenya Federation for supporting the growth of upcoming women coaches,” she noted.

Cheche continues to inspire a new generation of coaches and players, proving that Kenyan football is ready to compete and lead on the global stage.