LG Electronics EA, Chief Finance Officer, Sanghyuk Woo (left), Junior Starlets player Marion Serenge (centre) and SJAK President, James Waindi (right). Photo cartesy on July 17th
Trailblazing footballer Marion Serenge has been named the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for June 2024, a recognition that celebrates her exceptional contribution to Kenya’s history-making qualification for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Serenge’s stellar performance in the decisive qualifiers against Burundi played a pivotal role in securing Kenya’s first-ever spot in a World Cup for a national football team.
Serenge, who is still a student at Archbishop Njenga Girls High School, was a standout performer in both legs of the qualifiers. The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U17 women’s national football team, faced Burundi in the crucial two-leg tie that would determine their fate. Serenge scored a key goal in the 43rd minute during the first leg, which was held at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia on June 9, 2024. Her goal helped Kenya secure a 3-0 win, with Lorna Faith and Susan Okoth also contributing to the victory.
In the second leg, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Kenya on June 16, Serenge continued her impressive form, scoring the opening goal after just 17 minutes. Valerie Nekesa added a second, ensuring a commanding 5-0 aggregate win that propelled Kenya to their historic World Cup qualification. This marks the Junior Starlets’ first-ever appearance in the prestigious tournament, which will be held in the Dominican Republic in October 2024.
LG Electronics East Africa’s Chief Finance Officer, Sanghyuk Woo, expressed pride in Serenge’s achievement, noting that her recognition would further fuel her passion and commitment. “Serenge really stood out for Kenya, and being one of our youngest winners of this award, we know that she will be motivated to work even harder as she and her team go on to represent the country on the global stage,” said Woo.
Serenge’s remarkable feat was recognized amidst stiff competition from other talented nominees. These included African fencing champion Alexandra Ndolo, who won the senior women’s epee division at the Africa Fencing Championships in Casablanca, Morocco; and her Junior Starlets teammates Velma Abwire and Captain Elizabeth Ochoka.
Reflecting on her achievement, Serenge expressed optimism about her future in football. “I think I am on the right path to fulfill my dreams. It is every footballer’s dream to play in the World Cup in their career. As a team, we were motivated by the fact that no Kenyan football team has ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup. This is an important opportunity, and I am optimistic that scouts from top clubs around the world will follow us in the Dominican Republic. We gave it our best, and now it’s time to introduce Kenyan football to the world,” said Serenge.
Other notable nominees for the award included Kenya Rugby Sevens captain Vincent Onyala, who played a key role in helping Kenya qualify for the Paris Olympics by scoring a try in every match at the World Rugby Sevens Series Grand Final in Madrid, Spain. In athletics, World Championships 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Emmanuel Too, a decathlon medalist at the Africa Championships in Cameroon, were also recognized for their achievements.
The volleyball scene was also represented by Dennis Esokon of Kenya Prisons and Juliana Namutira of KCB, who helped their teams retain National Volleyball League titles. Other nominees included prominent football players like Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, Kenya Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, and Posta Rangers forward Patrick Otieno, alongside athletes like Zeddy Cheruiyot (Judo), Sarah Wasike (Ulinzi Handball), and Jadon Simiyu (Chess U12 African Champion).
SJAK President James Waindi congratulated all the nominees and praised their contributions to Kenyan sports. “The level of talent we have in Kenya is remarkable, and it is inspiring to see our sportsmen and sportswomen continue to scale new heights. We encourage them to keep pushing the boundaries and representing the country with pride,” said Waindi.
As Serenge prepares to take the global stage with the Junior Starlets, her recognition as the June 2024 Sports Personality of the Month serves as a testament to her hard work, determination, and the bright future that lies ahead for Kenyan football.