A Trailblazer! The Inspiring Journey of Doreen Nabwire
In the realm of Kenyan sports, Doreen Nabwire stands out as a pioneering figure, reshaping the landscape of women’s football in the country. She holds the unique accolade of being the first Kenyan female player to play professional football in Europe.
She has earned many honours on the pitch and remains an inspirational icon for aspiring female athletes across Kenya and beyond.
Early Life: A Passion for Football
Born in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, Doreen Nabwire Omondi, affectionately known as Dodo, discovered her love for football at a young age. Growing up in a neighborhood dominated by boys, she defied stereotypes by showcasing her dribbling, passing, and shooting skills.
Her journey began when she was discovered by players who introduced her to the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a program aimed at empowering youth through football. Doreen quickly emerged as a standout player, catching the attention of talent scouts.
By her teenage years, she was already representing her school and community at higher levels, ultimately earning a spot on the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Starlets.
Doreen Nabwire playing for MYSA
Breaking Barriers
Transitioning into competitive football, Doreen faced numerous challenges. Despite her family's football background, she encountered resistance, particularly from her mother, who viewed football as a man’s game. “I had to fight a lot of gender stereotypes,” she recalls. Her determination to play was met with restrictions, but she persevered.
Dodo’s remarkable skills on the ball and tactical intelligence propelled her into the spotlight. Locally, she played for various clubs, including the prestigious Vihiga Queens, leading the team to several victories, including the Kenyan Women Premier League title.
European Football
At just 15, Doreen's career took a significant turn when she was called up to the national team for a friendly match against Ethiopia. “I thought I would be on the bench, but I actually played for about 70 minutes,” said Doreen. This marked a pivotal moment in her journey.
Doreen made history as the first Kenyan woman to play professional football in Europe, joining Werder Bremen in Germany. She joined the club in September of 2009. After two years at the club, she moved on to Netherlands to play for FC Zwolle. She later returned to Germany joining FC Koln.
A devastating Achilles tendon injury forced Nabwire to retire from European football in 2014, ending her time with FC Cologne.
While all journeys end, she had paved the way for future generations of female footballers to dream bigger and aim higher.
“It was amazing to get an opportunity to play in the Bundesliga, one of the biggest, most respected and well organised leagues in the world; It was an honour and I managed to win second best player of the league 2009/10 season as well as finish as the club’s top scorer,” Doreen narrates.
Doreen Nabwire in action (right)
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her remarkable successes, Doreen’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including limited resources and societal expectations. Yet, every obstacle only fueled her determination. “Women footballers are just like any other athletes,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect in the sport.
Her time in Europe was also marked by personal and professional hurdles. Adapting to new cultures and styles of play while carrying the hopes of her nation on her shoulders, she transformed challenges into opportunities for growth.
Years after her mother initially opposed her football dreams, Doreen proudly reflects on the achievements of herself and her fellow female athletes. “We have had to overcome challenges, but we made it anyway.”
She is a former captain of the Harambee Starlets (Kenya Women football National Team). A role she held for about 11 years.
Doreen Nabwire Roles in Football Administration
Doreen’s influence extends beyond the pitch. As a leading advocate for Kenyan women’s football, she embodies the potential for growth in the sport. Nabwire emphasizes the importance of grassroots development: “We want to identify regional centers of excellence and increase women’s participation in all aspects of the game.”
Her efforts have contributed to significant milestones, such as the women's national team's qualification for the African Cup of Nations in 2016. She has done so through her position in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as a Women Development Officer. In addition, she has been part of the FKF Goal Project.
Her local leadership in football, saw her get appointed as a member of FIFA Women's Football Technical Advisory Group. Today, she is a FIFA expert advising the world body on women’s football. She holds a UEFA C coaching license from Landstede MBO.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Doreen Nabwire’s contributions extend far beyond her personal achievements. Through her grassroots initiatives, she mentors young girls, aiming to provide equal opportunities in sports. “I run a sports development organization that empowers women and girls through football,” she shares.
In 2010, she founded Girls Unlimited in Nairobi. This is a non-profit making community-based organization. It aims to use the values and principles of sport to build the capacity of girls, women and children to make informed and healthy choices, while advocating for a just, equitable, development of society through sport.
