Kenya’s rising football talent took the spotlight at the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), as the Junior Starlets and their head coach Mildred Cheche were named Team of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
The Rising Stars, Kenya’s U20 men’s national team, also earned recognition, finishing as first runners-up in the Team of the Year (men’s category).
The Junior Starlets made history in 2024 by becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their impressive run through the qualifiers secured them a place at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic—an achievement that not only made headlines but also ignited dreams among young girls across the country.
Head coach Mildred Cheche, who steered the U17 girls through their historic campaign, was celebrated for her leadership and dedication, earning the coveted Coach of the Year title.
Meanwhile, the Rising Stars wrapped up an outstanding season by finishing as runners-up at the U20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania—securing their place at the upcoming 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
This recognition at SOYA highlights the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) strategic focus on nurturing young talent.
The achievements of both the Junior Starlets and the Rising Stars signal a promising future for Kenyan football on the continental and global stage.
