In an incredible milestone for Kenyan football, Valerie Nekesa, the goal-scoring sensation of the Junior Starlets, has been nominated for the 2024 CAF Young Player of the Year Award in the women’s category.
Her nomination is a massive boost not just for Kenya but also for East Africa, as she is the only representative from the region on this prestigious list.
This recognition marks a turning point for young African talent, with Nekesa leading the charge for the next generation of football stars.
Valerie Nekesa has been an unstoppable force for the Junior Starlets, making history as part of the first Kenyan national team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup tournament. Her nomination is well-deserved, considering her remarkable achievements on the field in 2024.
During the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, Nekesa cemented her name in Kenyan football history by scoring Kenya’s first-ever goal in the tournament.
Her critical strike led the Starlets to an unforgettable 2-1 victory over South American opponents in Group C. This iconic goal, coupled with her leadership on the pitch, showcased her exceptional talent and determination.
Valerie Nekesa has been nominated for the 2024 CAF Young Player of the Year (Women)
She was instrumental in helping the Kenya U17 women’s side book their historic ticket to the U17 FIFA World Cup and scored Kenya’s first ever goal in a World Cup#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/seqtr9vuXX
— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) November 20, 2024
Nekesa will compete against nine other young stars from across the continent for the CAF Young Player of the Year title.
The nominees include Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine, Morocco’s Lina Mokhtar Jamai and Doha El Madani, Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye, Egypt’s Habiba Sabry, South Africa’s Nthabiseng Majiya, and Cameroon’s Naomi Eto and Cathy Biya.
Standing out in such a competitive pool is no small feat, and Nekesa’s inclusion highlights her exceptional talent and the potential of Kenyan football to rise on the global stage.
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Beyond her World Cup heroics, Valerie Nekesa has had a stellar year. Her brilliance didn’t just shine on the international stage; she has also been a key player for Madira Girls High School, leading her team with inspiring performances.
In March 2024, Nekesa’s talent was recognized locally when she was awarded the Most Promising Girl at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) 2023. This accolade reflected her growing influence in Kenyan sports and cemented her status as a rising star.
Her exceptional performances and unwavering determination have inspired many young athletes, making her a role model for aspiring footballers in Kenya and beyond.
Junior Starlets and Mildred Cheche: Recognized Excellence
Valerie Nekesa’s success is closely tied to the incredible journey of the Junior Starlets, who have also earned a nomination for the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
Their coach, Mildred Cheche, has been nominated for Coach of the Year in the women’s category, further solidifying the team’s impact in 2024.
Under Cheche’s guidance, the Junior Starlets achieved historic milestones, including their World Cup qualification. Cheche’s recent graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in business management is a testament to her dedication, both on and off the field.
Valerie Nekesa’s nomination comes at a pivotal time for Kenyan football. It’s a reminder of the immense talent the country holds and the need for continued investment in nurturing young players. Nekesa and the Junior Starlets have shown that with hard work, determination, and support, Kenyan teams can compete and excel on the global stage.
Their achievements also shine a light on women’s football in Kenya, sparking hope for a brighter future. The recognition of Valerie Nekesa, the Junior Starlets, and coach Cheche is a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize women’s sports and provide more opportunities for young talents.
The CAF 2024 Awards
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony is set to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco. This event will celebrate the best footballing talents across Africa, and Nekesa’s nomination has already made Kenya proud.
If she wins, Valerie Nekesa will not only make history as the first Kenyan to claim this prestigious title but also inspire countless young girls to dream big and believe in their potential.
Why Nekesa’s Story Matters
Valerie Nekesa’s journey is a story of resilience, hard work, and passion. From her early days playing for Madira Girls High School to making history at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, she has shown the power of perseverance. Her nomination is a victory not just for her but for every young girl in Africa dreaming of a brighter future in sports.
