Rongai All Stars Queens have emerged as rising stars in Kenya’s women’s football, securing the prestigious Tujiamini Initiative Gold Award during the recent South Rift Region nominations.
Driven to break barriers in competitive community football, the club has obtained a Sh500, 000 cash award. The funding will be allocated towards equipping the team, acquiring new equipment, and upgrading their playing field in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.
“Most of our players come from underprivileged backgrounds. Training at the club not only helps them develop their athletic skills but also equips them adequately to make positive decisions like resisting and staying away from social ills like teen pregnancy, early marriages, and drug abuse, among others,” said head coach Daniel Kyalo.
Founded in 2013, Rongai All Stars Queens have made remarkable progress in women’s football. Starting their journey in the National Super League, they have evolved into a formidable force, consistently producing outstanding talent for both national and international competitions.
Notable among these talents is Rebecca Odato, who currently plays for the National Under-17 side and recently made headlines with the Rising Starlets at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Additionally, founding player Rael Kamanda, who currently plays for the Kenya Women’s Premier League side, Zetech Sparks, is another success story emerging from the club, showcasing the level of Talent and quality players being developed at the club.
“One of Tujiamini Initiative’s goals is to uplift and provide equal opportunities for all talent, with a special focus on growing women’s participation in sport. Women’s football in Kenya holds rich untapped talent due to the lack of resources and exposure. Tujiamini seeks to bridge this gap while ensuring that excelling individuals receive the support they require to thrive and take their talents to the next level,” said Joseph Stevenson, Head of Business Development, and DBA Africa.
DBA Africa, who have partnered with SportPesa in running the Tujiamini Initiative, is a social enterprise dedicated to changing lives through sport to leverage the mental and physical benefits of sports to teach leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence to young people.
Rongai All Stars Queens’ head coach, Kyalo, reiterated the importance of investing in Women’s football at the community level as one way of solidifying the talent pipeline that can feed into national and regional football leagues through constant competitions and appearances in various tournaments.
According to Kamanda, who also won the Eastern and North Eastern Region Tujiamini Bronze Award, winning the Tujiamini Gold Award is a big feat for the club that faces numerous challenges, including playing resources and equipment, among other stereotypes in the male-dominated sport.
“Initially, the Rongai All Stars Queens were a young team, facing apprehension from the community. It brings me immense joy to witness the team’s growth against all odds. I often played alongside the boys up until the ladies’ side was established. This experience provided me with valuable exposure, leading to my selection for the National Under-17 team in 2012 and eventually progressing to the Premier League, where I continue to play,” said Kamanda.
In recent years, women’s football in Kenya has seen significant growth, fueled by enhanced support and regular exposure from initiatives like Tujiamini. This momentum not only showcases the potential of female athletes but also emphasizes the commitment to creating an inclusive environment that empowers women in sports.
By Ian Chepkuto
