Brian Wanyama
Trailblazing youngster Marion Serenge was named the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the month (June), thanks to her impeccable performance in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Her effort in the decisive two-leg match against Burundi saw the Junior Starlets become the first Kenyan national team to qualify for a World Cup, earning a spot in the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted in the Dominican Republic in Ocotber.
Their campaign started at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, where they secured their first leg victory over Burundi, on June 9. Eleven minutes into the match, Lorna Faith broke the deadlock and gave the team an early lead before Serenge scored in the 43rd minute.
In the second leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex on June 16, Serenge was quite instrumental as she scored the opener after 17 minutes before Valerie Nekesa doubled the scores. They secured a 5-0 aggregate win against Burundi, earning their spot in the high table.
In winning the June trophy, Serenge will be more motivated to do better and continue making history for Team Kenya on the global stage.
Read also; History recorded as Kenya makes it to the World Cup
The Form Four student at Archbishop Njenga Girls High School got the better of African champion Alexandra Ndolo, who was one of the nominees for the monthly award.
Ndolo made the cut to the top following her impeccable performance at the Africa Fencing Championships in Casablanca, Morocco where she saw off the host Camillia El Kord in the senior women’s epee division.
Junior Starlets goalkeeper Velma Abwire was also among the nominees, same as national rugby Sevens team captain Vincent Onyala. Others were world 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, Elizabeth Ochaka, Dennis Esokon and Juliana Namutira.
However, Kenya Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Posta Rangers forward Patrick Otieno, Zeddy Cheruiyot, Sarah Wasike, Jadon Simiyu, Emmanuel Too, Kevin Wekesa and Faith Adhiambo were also nominated.
Serenge was excited with her latest achievement, saying that this is just the beginning to more victories.
“I think I am on the right path to fulfill my dreams. It is every footballer’s dream to play in the World Cup in their career,” Serenge said.
“As a team, we were motivated by the fact that no Kenyan football team has ever qualified for the Fifa World Cup. This is an important opportunity and I am optimistic that scouts from top clubs around the world will follow us in the Dominican Republic. We gave it our best and now it’s time to introduce Kenyan football to the world.”
Speaking during the awarding ceremony Fred Serenge, Marion Serenge’s father congratulated her daughter for emerging the best.
“It’s a big honor for us as a family and this has really touched me as a person. As a father and a coach I want to thank the fraternity that selected Marion. I appreciate the sponsor plus the entire group for the fantastic job they have done.” said Fred Serenge.
Additionally,SJAK President James Waindi congratulated the nominees and urged sports personalities to keep scaling higher heights.
