Kenya’s Junior Starlets Soar at SOYA Awards

Kenyan youth football took center stage at the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), with the U17 Junior Starlets and their trailblazing coach, Mildred Cheche, stealing the spotlight. The girls’ team became the first Kenyan squad to qualify for a FIFA World Cup (U17 Women’s 2024), earning them the Women’s Team of the Year title. Cheche, lauded for her tactical brilliance, was crowned Coach of the Year, cementing her legacy as a pioneer for women in sports.

The U20 men’s Rising Stars added to the glory, finishing as runners-up in their category after securing a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Their gritty performances in the CECAFA qualifiers highlighted Kenya’s growing prowess in youth development.

The ceremony also honored athletics stars Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Sportsman of the Year) and Beatrice Chebet (Sportswoman of the Year), while para-athletes Samson Ojuka and Michelle Chengetich showcased Kenya’s Paralympic resilience. Football legend John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla’s induction into the SOYA Hall of Fame drew emotional applause, celebrating his lifelong impact on Kenyan football.

With Thunder basketball, Kenya Prisons volleyball, and school teams like All Saints Embu rugby also recognized, the awards underscored Kenya’s sporting depth. As the Junior Starlets inspire a generation, Kenya’s football future has never looked brighter.