Marion Serenge: From FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup glory to big dreams in professional football

Marion Serenge: From FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup glory to big dreams in professional football

Festus Chuma 14:40 - 27.10.2024

Marion Serenge dazzled at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup, showcasing her speed and technical brilliance.

Budding football star Marion Serenge has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Kenya's aspiring footballers, lighting up the pitch with her electric speed and technical finesse.

At just 16, she has already etched her name in history by becoming the first player in her family — and for Kenya's U-17 Women’s National Team — to feature at a World Cup.

Serenge's journey through the tournament may have ended sooner than hoped, but her undeniable talent and potential have left a lasting impression on both fans and scouts worldwide.

“Marion is very young, just 16 years and plays as a winger,” Kenya's U-17 coach Mildred Cheche shared with FIFA.

“She's very good at speed and has good technical ability. So, I just try to push her to give her best and score goals.”

The young winger, who has always aspired to follow in her father’s and brother’s footsteps to play professional football, has already attracted interest from international scouts despite her team’s early exit.

Her father, Fred Serenge, a former Kenya International and prominent player for AFC Leopards and Tusker FC in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, has been a crucial influence on Marion's career.

Her focus, however, remains steadfast: to continue her football journey by pursuing university-level competition before turning professional.

“I would like to play professional football,” Serenge expressed with an unwavering determination.

“And also, if I can get an opportunity, I can do college football, learning and also playing football.”

Her ambitions underline a dual path — balancing academics and sports — a dream many young athletes worldwide aspire to achieve, and one that resonates deeply with young Kenyan players who look up to her as a role model.

Kenya's U-17 Women’s National Team wrapped up their historic World Cup debut on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Mexico, their first win in the tournament after facing tough losses to England and North Korea.

This win gave the young team a chance to display their potential on the global stage, marking a proud moment in Kenyan football history despite the earlier defeats that ended their hopes of advancing

. Marion Serenge’s performance in the World Cup has only amplified the excitement surrounding her future and that of women’s football in Kenya.

Coach Mildred Cheche believes Serenge’s journey is just beginning and hopes her impressive World Cup displays will help open doors to future opportunities.

Cheche has been a dedicated guide, pushing her players to showcase their abilities and gain invaluable experience.

“The World Cup is a platform for our players to showcase their talents,” Cheche noted.

“For a player like Marion, it’s a unique opportunity to get noticed by scouts and maybe get the chance to play and study abroad.”

With her speed, control, and agility on the field, Serenge has demonstrated skills far beyond her years, solidifying her as one of Kenya’s most promising young talents.

Although she is still undecided about her immediate post-World Cup plans, her commitment to training and improvement is unwavering.

Her impressive form at the World Cup has stirred excitement and optimism in Kenya, where women’s football continues to grow but lacks the infrastructure and opportunities found in other countries.

Returning to Kenya with her team, Serenge's journey is celebrated not only as a personal milestone but as a major step for Kenyan women’s football.

Her World Cup performances have turned her into a symbol of hope for young girls across the country who dream of playing the sport professionally.

Now, with a win under her belt and a wealth of World Cup experience, Serenge’s football career is at a pivotal point.

Kenya's first experience in the Women’s U-17 World Cup will remain a cherished chapter not only in Kenyan sports but in the lives of each player, especially Marion Serenge.