The Kenya U17 women’s team, affectionately known as the Junior Starlets, has recently become a shining beacon for emerging talent in the country.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsAs the first-ever Kenyan football team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, their groundbreaking appearance in the Dominican Republic brought players like Lorna Faith Wasike, Marion Serenge, Joan Ogola, and Valerie Nekesa to the global spotlight.Lorna Faith’s standout performances earned her the distinction of being the first Kenyan to win a Player of the Match award at a FIFA World Cup. Valerie Nekesa’s CAF Awards nomination—alongside Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche—underscored the remarkable strides Kenyan women’s football is making.Austin Odhiambo responds to public spat with Gor Mahia head coachBut the story did not end with the historic squad. A new crop of exciting talent is pushing Kenya closer to another World Cup appearance. Among them is Brenda Achieng, who scored a brace against Uganda in the second qualifying round. Yet, one name continues to spark intrigue and admiration—Patience Asiko.Asiko’s journey is as compelling as her talent. A Form Two student at Butere Girls High School, she joined the school as a goalkeeper but has since played in almost every outfield position. Her adaptability and hunger to learn have shaped her into a versatile and intelligent footballer.The ever-smiling Asiko was the top scorer for her school in the 2024 school games, netting over 50 goals from the zonal level all the way to the FEASSSA Games. She also finished as the overall top scorer at the 2024 KSSSA national games with four goals, proving her consistency on the biggest stages.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877592##Technically, she is a gifted player with a strong understanding of the game. Her tactical awareness allows her to execute different roles with precision, and she constantly demands the ball, testament to her confidence and leadership.She thrives in physical duels, using her natural strength and aggressive pressing to win turnovers high up the pitch.Her physical attributes give her an edge: a powerful upper and lower body allows her to absorb contact, hold off defenders, and maintain balance in tight situations.Wanjala preaches “focus” as Tusker enter crucial phase of run-inHer acceleration and close control are exceptional, as evidenced by her brilliant solo goal against Uganda in the qualifiers. Her movement, whether diagonal or vertical, continuously disrupts defensive lines.She is also a rare finisher for her age, capable of scoring with both feet and her head. Whether it is a one-touch strike or a composed finish, she does it with both power and finesse. Her high shot accuracy explains her prolific goal tally.Asiko’s link-up play is equally impressive. She holds up the ball well, knowing when to pass and when to retain possession. Her awareness of space and teammates allows her to make smart decisions that keep her team in control.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877532##Her first touch can be unpredictable in a way that unsettles defenders, and her use of body feints and shifts in direction showcases her creativity and football intelligence.However, there are still areas where she can improve to become a more complete player. At times, her decision-making in the final third can be rushed, especially when under pressure or when she has multiple options.She also tends to over-rely on her physicality in certain situations where finesse would be more effective. Additionally, her defensive positioning and awareness, especially when her team is out of possession, needs refining to ensure she contributes consistently on both sides of the ball.Gor Mahia head coach willing to drop Austin Odhiambo after fall outWorking on these areas will elevate her overall impact and prepare her for tougher competition at the international level.Asiko is not just a rising talent—she is a unique story of evolution, hard work, and raw potential. Under the guidance of coach Edwin Sakwa at Butere Girls, she is in the perfect environment to grow. Sakwa’s track record speaks for itself, having nurtured players like Lydia Akoth, Vivian Oray (USA Beach Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Harambee Starlets goalkeeper), Vidah Okeyo (Police Bullets FC), and Cindy Ngairah (Ulinzi Starlets).As the Junior Starlets prepare for a crucial tie against Cameroon, trailing by one goal, Asiko will be a key piece of the puzzle. Her ability to change the game with a moment of brilliance, her relentless pressing, and her physical presence make her one of the most valuable weapons in the squad.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877532##If she continues refining her game and embracing the learning curve, Patience Asiko is poised not only to help Kenya return to the World Cup but to leave a lasting legacy in women’s football.
