Nairobi: Rongai All Stars Queens have been recognized as emerging leaders in Kenyan women’s football, having secured the Tujiamini Initiative Gold Award at the South Rift Region nominations. The club, dedicated to breaking barriers in community football, received a Sh500,000 cash award aimed at equipping the team, acquiring new gear, and upgrading their playing field in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the club’s head coach, Daniel Kyalo, emphasized the transformative impact of the club on its players, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. Kyalo highlighted that the club not only develops athletic skills but also empowers players to make positive life choices, steering them away from challenges such as teen pregnancy, early marriages, and drug abuse.
Founded in 2013, Rongai All Stars Queens have made significant strides in women’s football. Initially starting in the National Super League, the club has become a formidable contender, consistently nurturing talent fo
r both national and international competitions. Notable players include Rebecca Odato, now playing for the National Under-17 side, and Rael Kamanda, a founding member who currently plays for the Kenya Women’s Premier League team, Zetech Sparks.
Joseph Stevenson, Head of Business Development at DBA Africa, which partners with SportPesa in the Tujiamini Initiative, stated that one of the initiative’s goals is to foster equal opportunities for all talents, particularly focusing on boosting women’s participation in sports. He noted that women’s football in Kenya is rich with untapped talent due to resource and exposure constraints, and Tujiamini aims to bridge this gap while supporting individuals to excel.
DBA Africa is a social enterprise focused on changing lives through sports, leveraging its benefits to teach leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence to young people. Coach Kyalo emphasized the significance of investing in women’s football at the community level to strengthen the talent pool for
national and regional leagues.
Kamanda, who also won the Eastern and North Eastern Region Tujiamini Bronze Award, remarked on the club’s challenges, including limited resources and stereotypes in the male-dominated sport. She expressed immense joy in witnessing the team’s growth against all odds, having played alongside boys until the establishment of the ladies’ team, which led to her selection for the National Under-17 team and her eventual progression to the Premier League.
The growth of women’s football in Kenya has been notable in recent years, driven by increased support and exposure from initiatives like Tujiamini. This progress not only highlights the potential of female athletes but also underscores the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women in sports.