Chelsea Striker Reveals 2 Things She Is Looking Forward To Ahead Of Potential Harambee Starlets Clash

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has expressed excitement ahead of a potential clash with the Harambee Starlets in the FIFA Series set to take place at Nyayo National Stadium from April 11 to 15.

The Australian captain, who is expected to play a key role in her team’s push for the title, highlighted the importance of the fixtures as part of their wider preparation for the FIFA World Cup while also expressing her anticipation of experiencing Kenya’s culture and scenery during the trip.

Speaking to the team's media, Kerr also reflected on Australia’s recent Asian Cup campaign, admitting that the final defeat to Japan was a painful disappointment, even as she acknowledged the positives of their overall run and qualification progress.

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Sam Kerr reflected on the significance of participating in the FIFA Series in Kenya, noting that the World Cup requires teams to be prepared for a wide range of opponents from different regions of the world.

Sam Kerr added that beginning this type of preparation in Kenya provides a valuable opportunity, as it allows teams to experience a different football environment and test themselves in unfamiliar conditions.

She further observed that encounters with African sides are still relatively uncommon for many players in her squad, which makes the experience particularly beneficial in terms of learning and development, helping the team broaden their understanding of different tactical and physical approaches to the game.

“I think it's important just in the fact that you're going to face different teams in the World Cup. The World Cups are getting bigger each time, and you face different teams from all different confederations, so I think it's important for us to be ready for all different types of games and what better way to start here in Kenya. I mean, on the pitch, I think it offers a different experience,” Sam Kerr said.

“I think most of us haven't played many African teams much, so there's a lot of experience gained in that.”

Sam Kerr added that beyond football, the experience of being in Kenya with the FIFA Series has also provided an opportunity to engage with different cultures and ways of life, which she believes is an important part of international tours.

She noted that such trips allow players to broaden their understanding of the world outside of football, especially through exposure to communities and environments they may not normally encounter.

Kerr further expressed hope that the team would get a chance to experience some of Africa’s well-known attractions, including safaris, as part of their stay.

“And then off the pitch, I think it's just nice to come and see different cultures, different walks of life. Hopefully, we get to see the beautiful safaris and all of that that Africa has to offer, but most of us have never been to Africa, or it's our second time, so definitely just an experience and something to learn and educate ourselves on different cultures,” she said.

Sam Kerr further expressed her excitement about returning to national team camp in Kenya for the FIFA Series, noting that the quick turnaround after the Asian Cup left little time for rest but that the squad was eager to regroup and embrace a new international experience.

She reflected on the Asian Cup campaign as a mixed but ultimately positive tournament, acknowledging the disappointment of falling short in the final while also highlighting the achievement of securing World Cup qualification.

Kerr added that Japan proved to be strong opponents, and while she had not yet fully processed the outcome, she felt there were both lessons and positives to take from the competition.

“Yeah, I mean, I'm excited to be back in camp. I think it all ended so quickly after the Asian Cup. So, it was a short turnaround with our clubs, but everyone's really excited to be back and excited to be in Kenya. I think it's a new experience for us all,” she added.

“Yeah, I mean, I think it was a good tournament. I think it sucks to kind of just look at the final and feel a bit of disappointment. We qualified for the World Cup, which is a positive.

“And yeah, Japan are a great team, so I still haven't fully reflected on it yet, as it was obviously really disappointing and I feel like a big opportunity was missed, but I feel like with what we achieved, and again how the nation got behind us, it felt like a positive tournament.”

Australia will open their FIFA Series campaign against India on April 11, before facing either Malawi or Kenya’s Harambee Starlets.