By Tabby Nashipae
The Talanta Hela initiative was launched in June 2023 at the State House in a bid to promote youth’s creativity and talent.
“What the Talanta Hela will do is to join the dots that have been missing. President Ruto instructed me to steady the ship and fix the mess. That is what I was doing,” CS Ababu Namwamba said during the launch.
A month later, on August 17, the Talanta Hela U19 inter-county football tournament was launched in Eldoret, oblivious of the impact it would have on the local sporting scene.
Starting at the grassroots level across all 47 counties, the tournament saw 16 teams—8 from each gender—qualify for the nationals in Nairobi.
The tournament ended on December 12, 2023, in a colourful ceremony that was graced by President Ruto and CS Ababu Namwamba among other dignitaries.
Homabay County emerged victorious in the boys’ category with a thrilling 4-2 win over Kisumu, while Busia claimed the girls’ title with a 2-1 victory over Kisumu.
Now, slightly over six months later, the initiative whose aim is to identify, nurture, and monetize talents is successfully joining the dots for talented youngsters, offering them golden opportunities to represent the country in major competitions and earn from their exceptional skills.
This was evident as 11 of the girls from the Talanta Hela pipeline were part of history as Junior Starlets went ahead to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history.
This is after defeating fellow East African rivals Burundi in the final round of qualifiers played at a packed Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on Sunday.
The youngsters, carrying with them the hopes and expectations of an entire nation, came into the second leg with a healthy 3-0 lead and saw off their opponents 2-0 to make it a 5-0 annihilation on aggregate.
They started their qualification hunt in the third round where they shared a barren draw with Ethiopia before bouncing back to edge them 3-0 on Sunday, June 9 at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
They proceeded to the final round against Burundi where they registered maximum victory.
Talanta Hela Girls
Here are the Talanta Hela girls who shone in the tournament.
- Lorna Faith
Born on 21st November 2007, the explosive striker has earned herself accolades for her outstanding performance.
She plays for Butere Girls and was in action during the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games where she scored the solitary goal as Butere hit Wiyeta 1-0 to reclaim the title they last won in 2014.
She also captained Busia to win the girls’ category of the inaugural Talanta Hela U19 football tournament. During the World Cup qualifiers, Lorna scored a goal against Ethiopia and another against Burundi.
- Marion Serenge
There is a famous proverb that goes, ‘An apple does not fall far from the tree.’ The 16-year-old star is a form-four student at the Arch Bishop Njenga Girls High School and is the daughter of former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards midfielder Fred Serenge.
She captains the team which is coached by her father.
Last year, she was voted the Most Valuable Player in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament in the Western Region while playing from Lugari Progressive.
She is following in the footsteps of her family members who include Maurice Serenge (Mumias Sugar), Joe Serenge (Kisumu Breweries), Festus Serenge (Rivatex and Kenya Breweries), Anthony Serenge (Motcom), Zedrick Serenge (Nakuru All Stars).
Her father was the coach when Kenya U18 girls claimed second place in the International Schools Federation (ISF) Football World Cup.
- Christine Adhiambo
She is the guardian of the goal. Her prowess and ability at the goalpost are too much to miss out on for any coach.
She was part of the Talanta Hela U19 team that secured second place at the Costa Daurada Cup and the ISF Football World Cup. The 17-year-old plays for Butere Girls and is rising to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of her generation.
- Velma Awuor
Awuor scored the second goal for the team during their 3-0 win against Ethiopia. Awuor was one of the standout performers during the qualifiers, providing a brilliant assist for Nekesa’s goal and showcasing excellent passing and play-switching abilities.
She was born on 28th August 2007 and is a student at Nyakach Girls. She was also part of the team which competed in the Costa Daurada Cup in Spain.
- Mitchelle Waithera
Waithera was born 16 years ago in Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma. During the World Cup qualifiers, the hard-hitting forward made her debut in their final match against Burundi as a substitute for Valerie Nekesa.
She was also instrumental in propelling the Kenya U18 team to finish second in the ISF Football World Cup in China.
- Halima Imbachi
The talented midfielder comes from Kakamega County. At only 16 years old, Imbachi’s name is synonymous with excellence on the field.
“The opportunity to qualify for the World Cup is immense for our careers. The scouting opportunities are immense, and it will be a game-changer for both my life and my family,” Imbachi said on the importance of the qualification.
She will often joke ‘Butere is heavy’ anytime she achieves a major milestone. She was also an instrumental figure as the Talanta Hela girls finished second during the Costa Daurada Cup in Spain.
- Quinter Adhiambo
The upfront striker has been relentless in their pursuit of goals, showcasing speed, skill, and finishing ability. She was born on 6th April 2007 in Suna East, Homabay County.
She studies at St. Alfred Alara Mixed in West Karachuyo, Homabay where she hones her skills.
- Joy Angela Valencia
She is a lethal striker who strives to be in perfect shape every time she represents her country or school. She studies at Butere Girls.
Together with Lorna Faith, they form a formidable forward combination. Their performance did not go unnoticed as they were crowned the Most Valuable Players during the Costa Daurada Cup.
She also sharpens her skills at the Young Rovers Sports Club where she is the captain.
Pamela Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary), striker Valerie Nekesa, and Diana Anyango all were part of the Talanta Hela initiative.
