Rongai All Stars Queens have solidified their status as rising threat in Kenya's women's football scene with latest triumph Tujiamini Initiative Gold Award.
Rongai All Stars Queens have solidified their place as rising stars in Kenya’s women’s football scene by clinching the prestigious Tujiamini Initiative Gold Award.
The team emerged victorious in the recently concluded South Rift Region nominations, earning them a Ksh500,000 cash prize.
The club's head coach, Daniel Kyalo, emphasized the significance of the win, particularly for the young players who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
"Training at the club not only helps them develop their athletic skills but also equips them to make positive decisions, like resisting social ills such as teen pregnancy, early marriages, and drug abuse," Kyalo noted.
Established in 2013, Rongai All Stars Queens have made remarkable strides in the development of women’s football.
Beginning their journey in the Women's National Super League (WNSL), the team has grown into a powerhouse, nurturing exceptional talent.
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Among the standout players from the triumph and the Queens upsurge is Rebecca Odato, who currently represents Kenya's National Under-17 side and recently made headlines with the Rising Starlets at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Another notable talent from the club is Rael Kamanda, a founding player who now plays for Zetech Sparks in the Kenya Women’s Premier League, having made a shift from playing in community football to competing at the highest level of women’s football in Kenya.
Kamanda, who previously won the Tujiamini Bronze Award for the Eastern and North Eastern regions, celebrated the club’s achievement, noting that they have overcome numerous challenges, including stereotypes in a 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,” Kamanda expressed.
Joseph Steventon, Head of Business Development at DBA Africa, which partnered with SportPesa to run the Tujiamini Initiative, lauded the potential of women’s football in Kenya.
“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. Kenya has rich untapped talent in women’s football, and Tujiamini seeks to bridge the gap by providing resources and exposure,” Steventon said.
Kyalo echoed the importance of investing in women’s football at the grassroots level, noting that consistent support and competition are vital to nurturing talent that can feed into national and regional leagues.
He reiterated that Rongai All Stars Queens' victory was a testament to the importance of such initiatives in creating opportunities for female athletes.
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The future looks bright for Rongai All Stars Queens who have announced their arrival with intent as women’s football in Kenya continues to grow