In a season defined by grit, growth, and goal-scoring brilliance, Faith Mboya emerged as one of Kenya’s most exciting football talents in women's football, lighting up not just one but two competitive leagues.
The forward ended the 2024/25 campaign as the top scorer in the Women's National Super League (WNSL) Zone A with 15 goals and finished as the second-highest scorer in the Kenya Women's Premier League (WPL) with another 15 goals, just one behind Police Bullets FC’s Rebecca Okwaro. What makes her feat exceptional is that she achieved this by playing only half a season in each league.
Faith’s journey began far from stadium lights and media attention. She honed her skills in grassroots football, playing in local setups and staying ready for any opportunity. Her big break came when she decided to train with Sunderland Samba, a Nairobi-based side competing in the WNSL.
“I was just playing grassroots football when I decided to try training with Sunderland Samba. The coach saw something in me and signed me immediately,” Mboya recalls.
She repaid that faith in spectacular fashion, scoring a hat trick in her very first game for the club.
“That debut gave me a lot of confidence. From there, I just wanted to keep working hard and show that I belonged,” she says.
Mboya quickly became a reliable goal machine for Sunderland Samba. Her instincts in front of the goal, pace on the ball, and ability to stretch defences made her one of the standout performers in Zone A of the WNSL.
Her stellar performance didn't go unnoticed. In January, Kibera Soccer Women recruited her, and Mboya seized the opportunity. She made an electrifying Premier League debut, netting four goals against Bungoma Queens and making a resounding statement.
“That game meant everything. It was a big step up from the Super League, but I was ready,” she says.
Faith Mboya in action for Kibera Soccer Women
From that point on, she remained consistent, finding the net week in and week out for Kibera. Her tally of 15 goals in just half a season placed her second on the FKF WPL scoring charts, just one goal shy of the league’s Golden Boot winner.
Mboya attributes her meteoric rise not only to her talent but also to her willingness to listen and learn.
“At Sunderland Samba, I made it a point to really listen to my coach. That guidance helped me improve so much, especially tactically and mentally,” she shared.
Her performances caught the attention of Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba, and shortly after joining Kibera, she received her first call-up to the national team—a milestone she describes as a dream come true.
“It’s an honour to be called up to the national team. It shows that all the hard work is paying off,” she says.
Faith Mboya in National Team colours
Despite the meteoric rise, Mboya is keeping her feet firmly on the ground. Her next dream? Playing abroad.
“Chelsea Women is my dream club. One day, I want to play at the highest level and represent Kenya internationally as a pro,” shared Mboya.
She’s also passionate about encouraging the next generation of footballers.
“My advice to young players is simple: stay focused, avoid drugs, and take care of your body and mind. That discipline will take you far.”
With 30 goals across two leagues in a single season, Faith Mboya has written her name into Kenyan women’s football history. Her journey—from grassroots hopeful to top scorer in the WNSL and second-best scorer in the WPL—has been nothing short of inspirational.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but this is just the beginning. There’s so much more I want to do in football,” she concludes.
As fans and scouts continue to take notice, one thing is certain: Faith Mboya’s star is only beginning to rise.
Feature Image Credit: Kibera Soccer Women