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Kenya are set to participate at the U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time ever, and Serenge has made up her mind.
Kenya U17 Women's national team star Marion Serenge has made her decision about participating at this year’s World Cup amidst the stumbling block that is her final Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams this year.
Serenge, a form four student at the Archbishop Njenga Secondary School, played an integral role in qualifying for Kenya’s first-ever FIFA World Cup last June, with her performances as a right winger and center forward catching the eye of many.
It was therefore no surprise to see her named the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) personality of the month, underpinning her excellent month.
However, she is among the eight students who are in form four, with the final exams set to take place in November, while the World Cup will take place in October in the Dominican Replublic.
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This will naturally cause a lot of confusion and inconvenience, but Serenge has already made her decision over whether to participate at the World Cup or complete her secondary studies once and for all.
“It (playing at the World Cup) motivates me because it comes once in a while. I would choose playing in the World Cup simply because these opportunities are rare. I can always do my exams even next year,” Serenge said.
“It was a hard decision but I consulted my parents. My dad told me that opportunities like these come once in a while, and that I would rather go to the World Cup,” Serenge said.
“I feel good because it is the first time we will be participating in the tournament. We won’t just participate, we will also be going for the kill and getting results.”
Her father, Fred Serenge, supports her choice, emphasizing the unique opportunity the World Cup represents.
"It is a great accomplishment, according to me, since it is the first time Kenya will compete at the World Cup," he said.
He acknowledged the sensitivity of the exam issue for parents, but believes the exams can be postponed, adding, "The exams can be done at any other time, in my opinion. I don’t think it should be an issue at this moment.
“I tend to believe that these are candidates who have taken much of their time in camp, they have done their duty for the country, and the same government should reciprocate by ensuring that the players do their exams. They have mechanisms that can be put in place for special exams."
Marion Serenge’s decision highlights the delicate balance between academic commitments and extraordinary sporting opportunities, showcasing her determination to seize a rare chance to shine on the world stage.
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