Harambee Starlets forward Mwanahalima Jereko Adam, affectionately known as ‘Dogo,’ has taken a significant step in her football career by signing with Kansas City in the United States. This move comes after an impressive three-year tenure with Hakkarigucu Spor in Turkey’s Super League, where she made a name for herself as a prolific goal-scorer and an influential player. Adam’s new contract with Kansas City will see her stay with the club through the 2025 season, with an option to extend her stay into 2026.
For Adam, this move represents a new chapter in a career that has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. “I’m thrilled to be joining Kansas City and to start this new chapter of my career,” Adam said upon signing with the club. “The organization has been amazing to me, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success.” Her excitement is palpable, as she prepares to bring her talent and experience to the American soccer scene.
Rising Through the Ranks
Mwanahalima Adam’s journey to becoming one of Kenya’s most recognized football talents began at an early age. Born and raised in Kenya, Adam’s passion for football was evident from the start. Her small stature earned her the nickname ‘Dogo,’ a Swahili word meaning “small one,” but her talent on the pitch was anything but diminutive. Adam’s skills were honed in local leagues, and it wasn’t long before she caught the attention of national selectors.
In 2015, Adam was selected for Kenya’s U-17 national team, marking the beginning of her international career. Her performances were impressive, and she quickly moved up to the senior national team, the Harambee Starlets. Over the years, Adam has been a consistent presence in the national squad, participating in major tournaments such as the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Championship and the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Her role in helping Kenya reach the finals of the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Championship was particularly notable. Adam’s pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability made her a key player in the team, and she has since become one of the most important figures in Kenyan women’s football.
Shining in the Turkish Super League
Adam’s move to Turkey in 2021 marked a new phase in her career. Joining Hakkarigucu Spor in the Turkish Super League, she quickly adapted to the European style of play and began to make an impact. In her first 17 games with the club, Adam scored 11 goals, helping Hakkarigucu to a respectable fourth-place finish in the league. Her ability to find the back of the net and her leadership on the field did not go unnoticed, and she soon became one of the team’s standout players.
The 2022-2023 season was a breakthrough year for Adam. Not only did she captain the national team, but she also had a stellar season with Hakkarigucu, scoring 23 goals, including two hat-tricks. Her performances earned her recognition beyond Turkey, and it was clear that she was ready for a new challenge.
Joining Kansas City: A New Chapter
Adam’s signing with Kansas City is a significant milestone in her career. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States is one of the most competitive women’s football leagues in the world, and Adam’s move there is a testament to her growth as a player. Kansas City’s head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, expressed his enthusiasm about Adam joining the team. “Jereko brings an exciting dynamic to our team. Her passion, skill, and dedication are just what we need as we head into the regular season,” Andonovski said.
Adam’s contract with Kansas City runs through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. This long-term commitment shows the club’s confidence in her ability to make a significant impact. As she prepares to make her debut against the Washington Spirit on August 25, all eyes will be on Adam to see how she adapts to the NWSL and what she can bring to her new team.
Looking Ahead
For Mwanahalima Adam, the journey from the local pitches of Kenya to the professional leagues of Turkey and now the United States has been one of hard work, determination, and undeniable talent. Her story is an inspiration to many young players in Kenya and beyond, showing that with the right mindset and support, it is possible to achieve great things on the global stage.
As Adam settles into her new role at Kansas City, there is much anticipation about what she will achieve in the NWSL. Her past performances suggest that she has the potential to become one of the league’s standout players. The transition to a new country and a new league will undoubtedly come with challenges, but if Adam’s career so far is any indication, she is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
ALSO READ:Shikisha Na Aviator: Win Free Bets with JamboBet’s Exciting New Offer
