In anticipation of the upcoming Kenya University National Games scheduled to take place at Egerton University in January 2024, the Chuka University women's football team, affectionately known as the Chuka Starlets, has been vigorously training to evaluate and enhance their performance.
Their qualification for the nationals has not made them complacent but instead served as a significant source of motivation.
Head coach Mr. Stephen Ouma expressed unwavering confidence in the team's progress, citing notable improvements in their performance, particularly evident in their recent matches.
However, he highlighted a pressing challenge: the inadequacy of training equipment. "The team has made strides in attack and cohesion but needs to work on defense. We also require more training equipment," he remarked.
The players themselves have faced their own set of challenges, including adverse weather conditions that occasionally hinder training sessions.
Team captain Risper Andati shared insights into the team's rigorous training regimen, which includes a morning run from 5:30 to 6:00 AM to enhance speed and an evening ball work session from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to refine their playing skills.
The Chuka Starlets have also engaged in numerous friendly matches, boasting an impressive record of wins. Captain Risper Andati expressed her pride in the team's performance, saying, "We've been playing friendlies every weekend, all of them ending in victory. The team is performing exceptionally well, and the girls are giving their all."
She went on to mention the team's participation in the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Eastern Region competition, where they clinched the title of Tharaka Nithi regional champions. Their sights are now set on the regionals scheduled for November 21, with a long-term goal of making it to the nationals in the Chapa Dimba competition.
The Chuka Starlets attribute their success to the dedicated coaching staff, including Mr. Stephen Ouma, Sean Opwaro, Esther Robi, and Mwangi. Captain Andati proudly shared a message of empowerment for women's football, encouraging support and belief in the potential of female athletes. "Women's football should be greatly empowered," she emphasized.
Furthermore, the team extended an invitation to aspiring footballers, urging them to join the squad in the upcoming semester. With some players set to depart after the current semester, they hope to maintain their team's reputation and achievements.
The team conducts their training at the KMTC field, located on the way to the media school, next to FTC. The Chuka Starlets are committed to promoting women's football and achieving even greater heights in the sport.
The Writer, Rosaline Odhiambo is a Second Year Journalism Student at Chuka University.
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