Rebecca Odato: Playing In The FIFA World Cup Has Earned Me Lots Of Respect 

_{Rebecca Odato (in white) against North Korea at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. PHOTO/FKF}

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic– Rebecca Odato is among the Junior Starlets players who are happy to have featured in the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The midfielder feels the tournament has increased her football profile apart from making her a better player. She feels inspired now to look for better opportunities that will put her on level par with other international players she met in the tournament.

“I’m well known, more popular now, especially back at home in Busia. Everyone speaks my name with high regard,” she said.

The Form four student at Dagoreti Mixed Secondary School in Nairobi says making her debut at the World Cup at such a tender age is a dream come true for her and she would like to continue with the same spirit until she gets grounded in the sport.

“I feel proud because this is no mean feat, I thank God for this rare opportunity. Even my family is very pleased with the achievement,” says Odato who comes from a family of seven.

Odato was inspired into football by her two elder brothers who are also players. Her father is also a legend in the game, having featured mostly in the Ugandan leagues in his heydays.

“My siblings and parents are so proud of me, that I have made history by being the first one in the family, and in the larger Teso tribe, to play in the World Cup,” says Odato who also features for Kangemi Ladies FC.

_{Rebecca Odato (in red) against England  in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. PHOTO/FKF}

At the Dominican Republic showdown, Odato played against England and North Korea but missed the clash against Mexico that Kenya won 2-1 due two accumulated yellow cards. On her thoughts about the opponents they faced, Odato loves the English team, reiterating that she would like to play like them.

“England players know football, I route for them to lift the trophy. I envy them because they are already attached to big clubs. My dream is to play for very established sides in Europe like them, excel in the game so I can change the fortunes of my family and those around me, ” she stated.

Odato feels the Junior Starlets need the kind of support that teams from Europe get from their countries ahead of major championships. Among them, early preparations, media training, financial support and the infrastructures.

“If we start our preparations early, we will always get confidence ahead of any high profile showpiece.”

And why did you choose to don jersey number 20 at the World Cup instead of your favourites number 8?

“Jersey number 8 is very hot cake in both the U18 and U17 national teams, and I don’t want to scramble for it. I only put it on now at the school team,” she underlined.

At school, Odato loves history because the subject teacher is very friendly. Ahead of the World Cup, Odato was among the lucky players who were visited by Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen at school, an act that made her to feel loved.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the CS for taking it upon himself to know where I’m learning, it’s not easy for that kind of effort to happen in everyday life,” she said.

Odato’s dream is to play for Arsenal Women FC while her role models in the game are Police Bullets FC player Mercy Njeri and  Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard.

Semifinals fixtures 

North Korea 1     0 USA 

Spain vs England