Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche is currently part of FIFA’s prestigious Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Program, now underway in Zurich.
This 18-month initiative brings together a select group of women from around the world to develop their coaching skills alongside seasoned professionals, aiming to boost female representation at the highest levels of football coaching.
Cheche, who made history in June 2024 by guiding Kenya’s U-17 women’s team to qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, continues to break barriers in African football.
Her latest appointment places her among a distinguished group of 20 women receiving mentorship from some of the sport’s most accomplished coaches, including national team tacticians and FIFA Women’s World Cup icons.
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Privileged to be selected and be part of the FIFA Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Program in Zurich, Switzerland that plays a crucial role in the development of coaches. Thank you to FIFA and Football Kenya Federation for supporting the growth of upcoming women coaches. pic.twitter.com/ufSEPwgFT8
— Mildred Cheche (@mildred_cheche) July 16, 2025
The program’s goal is to nurture emerging coaching talents by pairing them with experienced mentors such as Brazil’s Arthur Elias, South Africa’s Desiree Ellis, Portugal’s Francisco Neto, and Australia’s Joe Montemurro. Renowned figures like Tina Theune of Germany, Norway’s Even Pellerud, and France’s Corinne Diacre also contribute to this global effort.
Cheche, who has previously served as an assistant coach for Kenya’s senior women’s team, carries a CAF B License and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Management. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed; in 2024, she was nominated for CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, underscoring her rising profile in the continent’s coaching ranks.
FIFA and Football Kenya Federation have expressed strong support for the development of female coaches, providing platforms and resources to advance their careers. The program combines three in-person workshops, online mentorship sessions, and up to five exchange visits between mentors and mentees, creating an interconnected global community of women in coaching.
“Privileged to be selected and be part of the FIFA Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Program in Zurich, Switzerland that plays a crucial role in the development of coaches. Thank you to FIFA and Football Kenya Federation for supporting the growth of upcoming women coaches,” an elated Cheche posted on her handles.
Among the notable participants is Germany’s Melanie Behringer, a former star midfielder and FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic gold medalist, now coaching the Germany U-17 women’s team. Behringer’s mentor, Pellerud, reflected on the value of mentorship: “I wish I had this when I was starting out. I made many mistakes as a young coach, and having guidance early on could have helped me avoid some pitfalls,” he said. Behringer echoed this sentiment, stressing her commitment to refining her skills.
Brazil’s Simone Jatoba, who transitioned from mentee to mentor within the program, also highlighted its impact. Having worked with Corinne Diacre as a mentee, Jatoba now guides Tahitian coach Delphine Soret, sharing her international experience and insights gained from her journey as a player and coach. “This program has brought me incredible learning opportunities, and I want to pass that on to others,” she said.
FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, Jill Ellis—herself a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning coach—addressed the importance of removing barriers for women in coaching. “Our job is to break down obstacles, whether financial or awareness-related, to make coaching accessible for women at all levels,” she stated.
As the program continues to expand its influence, it aims to cultivate a new wave of female coaches who can shape the future of international football, just like Cheche and her peers.
Privileged to be selected and be part of the FIFA Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Program in Zurich, Switzerland that plays a crucial role in the development of coaches. Thank you to FIFA and Football Kenya Federation for supporting the growth of upcoming women coaches. pic.twitter.com/ufSEPwgFT8
— Mildred Cheche (@mildred_cheche)
July 16, 2025