Butere Girls High School and Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) captain Halima Imbachi has revealed how her brother played a pivotal role in sparking her passion for football.The 17-year-old midfielder, currently in Tanzania for the CAF U-17 GIFT Cup, noted that she began playing football at the age of eight and became more serious about the sport when she joined Butere Girls for secondary school games.Now leading KAS in Tanzania, Imbachi has guided her team to a second-place finish in Group A, outclassing JK Queens of Tanzania, City Lights of South Sudan, and Kenya Elite Junior Academy to secure a spot in the third-place playoff.“I started playing football when I was eight years old, but I became a serious player in high school. It wasn’t easy because of many challenges, but what kept me going was discipline, hard work, and support from my teammates,” she told CAF Online.##NAJAVA_MECA_8624504##Imbachi, who started all games for the Junior Starlets at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup, now plays alongside her schoolmates Lindey Weey Atieno and Mitchel Waithera.She attributes her early interest in football to her brother and the encouragement she received from her local coach.“I saw my brother playing football, and that inspired me. My home coach also pushed me to train hard and believe in myself, even when I didn’t think I could do it,” she said.Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her guardian, Imbachi credits her family and school coach for supporting her football journey.“I lived with my guardian until she passed away, then moved in with my aunt. Most of the time, I live at school, where my coach has always supported me. I am grateful to them for everything.”CHAN Organising Committee chairman sets target for Harambee StarsImbachi was part of the Talanta Hela team that represented Kenya in Spain before participating in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in the Dominican Republic.She now aspires to play for the senior national team, the Harambee Starlets, and eventually turn professional.“My dream is to represent Kenya at the senior level and become a professional footballer,” she added.Mariga among African football legends confirmed for CHAN 2024 draw in NairobiWith Kenya Academy of Sports eliminated from the CAF U-17 GIFT Tournament finals, head coach Jackline Juma’s side will prepare for the third-place playoff.Their opponent will be determined after the conclusion of Group B matches on Tuesday.
