Dj Vnyash
Emerging Starlets midfielder Marion Serenge has been awarded the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for June, following her impressive performances in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Her efforts were pivotal in the decisive two-leg match against Burundi, which saw the Kenyan team become the first national team to qualify for a World Cup with a 5-0 aggregate score.
The Starlets began their journey in the third round of qualifiers after DC Congo withdrew. They started with a 0-0 draw against Ethiopia at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on May 10, 2024, followed by a 3-0 win at the Ulinzi Sports Complex a week later.
Next, they faced Burundi, winning 3-0 in the first leg on June 7 in Addis Ababa and securing a 2-0 victory at the Ulinzi Complex on June 16. Serenge was instrumental in the second leg, scoring the opener after 17 minutes, followed by a goal from Valerie Nekesa.
Winning the June trophy will motivate Serenge for the World Cup. “I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and fans for their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have won the award, and the Starlets wouldn’t have qualified for the World Cup,” said Serenge.
As the youngest athlete to ever win the award, Serenge received a customized trophy and an LG washing machine. She is a Form Four student at Archbishop Njenga Girls High School and beat African champion Alexandra Ndolo for the monthly award. Ndolo had a stellar performance at the Africa Fencing Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, winning gold in the senior women’s division on June 7, 2024.
Other nominees included Junior Starlets goalkeeper Velma Abwire, Shujaa team captain Vincent Onyala, world 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, Kenya Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Zeddy Cheruiyot, and Sarah Wasike.
Serenge comes from a footballing family, with her father Fred Serenge being a coach and former Kenya international, and her elder brother Kevin Amwayi a winger for Kakamega Homeboyz.
“I believe I am on the right path to achieving my dreams. Every footballer dreams of playing in the World Cup. If I had to choose, I would pick the World Cup over my KCSE exams, as the tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime event, while I can take special exams next year,” said Serenge.
The Starlets, led by head coach Mildred Cheche, will face Korea DPR, Mexico, and England from October 16 to November 3 in the Dominican Republic. Marion’s father, Fred Serenge, has appealed to the government to ensure that the nine girls taking their exams receive remedial classes and special exams to represent the country in the tournament.
Meanwhile, SJAK President James Waindi congratulated the nominees and encouraged sports personalities to continue striving for excellence.
