Vihiga Queens: The True Harambee Starlets Football Talent Factory
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the second leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, with two former Vihiga Queens stars playing pivotal roles. But beyond the result, a deeper narrative is emerging—Vihiga Queens' undeniable influence on the national team.
The WAFCON qualifiers saw 13 former Vihiga Queens players and two active players receive national team call-ups. However, four players—Alice Mideri, Martha Amunyolete, Vivian Nasaka, and Yvonne Idagiza—did not make the final squad.
Among those who made the final squad, their impact was undeniable. The team featured 11 former Vihiga Queens players, now making waves on the international stage. Enez Mango, who played for the club from 2016 to 2022, currently plies her trade at Farul Constanța in Romania, alongside Lilian Awuor, who was with Vihiga Queens from 2018 to 2021.
Janet Bundi, a key player from 2019 to 2024, now represents the National Bank of Egypt, while Tereza Engesha, known for her attacking prowess between 2017 and 2022, is now in China. Cynthia Shilwatso, who was part of the team from 2016 to 2020, currently plays for Beşiktaş in Turkey.
In Tanzania, Jentrix Shikangwa and Carazone Aquino continue to shine for Simba Queens, having played for Vihiga Queens from 2019 to 2022 and 2017 to 2019, respectively. Emily Morang’a (2023-2024) and Annedy Kundu (2016-2017) now play for Kenya Police Bullets, while Violet Nanjala, who had a short stint with Vihiga Queens in 2021, currently represents AMFF Laayoune Women in Morocco.
The Game-Changers Against Tunisia
In the first leg at home, four former Vihiga Queens players—Lilian Awuor (GK), Enez Mango (DEF), Carazone Aquino (MID), and Cynthia Shilwatso (MID)—were in the starting lineup. Despite a goalless draw, their defensive discipline ensured a clean sheet.
The second leg in Tunis saw an even greater impact. Lilian Awuor, Enez Mango, Carazone Aquino, Tereza Engesha, and Jentrix Shikangwa all started, with their performances proving decisive.
Tereza Engesha scored the match-winning goal in the 3rd minute, firing a thunderous shot from outside the box after intercepting a loose ball. A proven goal scorer, Engesha was the top scorer in the Women’s Premier League in 2017/18 (36 goals) and 2018/19 (23 goals) while at Vihiga Queens.
The undisputed star of the match was Lilian Awuor, who saved two penalties—one in each half. She also recorded five crucial saves, two fouls won, and one clearance, earning a 7.1 rating from Tisini Sports, the highest in the team.
Awuor’s brilliance isn’t new. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to win the CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Match award while playing for Vihiga Queens against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Why Does Vihiga Queens Keep Producing Stars?
Vihiga Queens has established itself as a key talent hub for Kenyan women’s football, consistently producing stars for the national team. Speaking with Tisini, Vihiga Queens Head Coach Boniface Nyamunyamu attributes this to the club’s strong mission—to dominate in Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.
“Our players buy into this vision from the start,” he says, emphasizing the club’s culture of hard work, winning mentality, and commitment to developing young talent.
He highlights Lilian Awuor’s leadership and focus as key to her growth, while praising Tereza Engesha’s relentless drive, noting, “Terry never believes in losing; she always fights to win.” Nyamunyamu remains confident that Vihiga Queens will continue supplying top talent to Harambee Starlets, stating, “Our objective is to train players for the national team and beyond.
Despite Vihiga Queens’ strong presence in the national team, Alice Mideri and Martha Amunyolete missed out on the final squad. Coach Boniface Nyamunyamu remains optimistic about their future, stating, “They didn’t make the final list, but if selection is based on merit, they still have a chance.”
The Harambee Starlets’ success remains deeply intertwined with Vihiga Queens. From goalkeepers to goal scorers, the club continues to provide the backbone of the national team. But as the debate on selection fairness lingers, one thing is clear—Vihiga Queens' legacy in Kenyan women’s football isn’t ending anytime soon.
