There is a timeless saying that goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”The saying found its true dwelling when Marion Musanga Serenge, the daughter of renowned football coach Fred Serenge, played a crucial role in leading the Junior Starlets to a 3-0 win over Burundi in the first leg of the final round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8153013##Musanga mirrored her father’s legacy on the pitch by scoring the second goal for the team in the 43rd minute. Lornah Faith and Susan Okoth also scored for the team in the match played on Sunday, 9 May, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, coach Serenge heaped praises on the team but most importantly lauded his daughter’s strength and determination.“I thank God for the results and particularly for Marion. I’m very proud of her. Her hard work is finally paying off,” the tactician said.Musanga has the qualities of leadership and excellence, clearly inherited from her father. She captains Western region soccer giants Archbishop Njenga, a team her father coaches.WCQ: Kenya, Ivory Coast to face off in high-stakes game in LilongweShe was also crucial in leading the Talanta Hela U19 girls’ team to an impressive second-place finish during the Costa Daurada Cup in Spain back in April.“She has the fighting spirit and is so determined. I am confident and I pray to God to enable her to achieve more,” the coach added.Coach Serenge, who doubles up as the chairman of Archbishop Njenga, was the man behind the wheel as the Kenya Under-18 girls’ team claimed second place in the International Schools Federation (ISF) Football World Cup in China in May.During his heyday, he played for celebrated clubs like Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, and the national team. His siblings are also household names in the Kenyan sporting arena.They include Maurice Serenge (Mumias Sugar), Joe Serenge (Kisumu Breweries), Festus Serenge (Rivatex and Kenya Breweries), Anthony Serenge (Motcom), Zedrick Serenge (Nakuru All Stars), Judy Serenge (volleyball for Kenya Pipeline and the national team, and several World Cup and Olympic appearances), Jackline Serenge (played for the school and national team Starlets and Western combined team), and Patrick Serenge (goalkeeper for Kakamega Municipal and KEFINCO).The Junior Starlets need to avoid defeat when they host Burundi this weekend at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to make history as the first Kenyan team to qualify for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in October in the Dominican Republic.EXCLUSIVE: Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier summoned over non-payment of former coach Francis Nuttall
