Teen goalie looks to another World Cup appearance with Junior Starlets

Velma Abwire’s wonderful reflexes and timely saves were instrumental in helping Kenya’s Under-17 Women’s team make its first ever Fifa World Cup appearance in October 2024. Although the Junior Starlets didn’t make it out of the preliminary stages, the team finished third in Group C with three points. Having lost 2-0 to 2024 semifinalists England and 3-0 to title holders North Korea in their opening matches in the Dominican Republic, Starlets’  2-1 victory over 2018 runner-up Mexico was a moment of immense pride for the entire country. 

Since that brilliant World Cup debut, Velma has not lost a single match in eight games (six victories, two draws) in international matches with Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia and Morocco. She has conceded only one goal so far. 

On Sunday, she will once more don the Harambee Starlets  jersey as the team tackles Cameroon in the third and final round of the 2025 Fifa Under 17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. 

Velma, a former Wiyeta Girls High School student and two-time national school games champion (2021, 2022), joined Ulinzi Starlets in January this year.

She made her debut in the FKF Women’s Premier League on April 12, 2025 where her team sailed to a 3-0 win over Bunyore Starlets at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Why did you choose to be a goalkeeper?
(Laughs). In Grade Six, my teacher, Mr Vincent Oduor, unexpectedly moved me from volleyball to football, specifically to play as a typical number nine. Then later on he challenged me to be a goalkeeper, a move I initially resisted. I’m grateful now because I excelled between the goalposts and eventually I managed to get a football scholarship at Wiyeta Girls after impressing coach Joseph Wafula in 2020. I never imagined saying this, but I love being a goalkeeper. 

I was born and raised in Busia, attended Indoli Primary School in Nasewa, Matayos. I’m the second of four children (two girls and two boys), and I’m the only one involved in sports. 

Did your parent support your foray into football?
Both mum and dad have been incredibly supportive, both financially and emotionally. They always attend my games to cheer me. 

What do you plan to do now that you’ve finished high school?
I scored a C- grade and I plan to study business management. At first, I wished to study law since I loved history and CRE subjects, but my parents advised me to pursue a business course.

What are the highlights of your career as a goalkeeper so  far?
Participating in the 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic was my best moment. It was an unexpected opportunity especially since I was just a teenager, but it happened. It was a dream come true. 

What do you think about the opponents you faced at the World Cup?
They were all very experienced teams. Korea were the title holders, and England had made it to the semifinals in the previous edition. I was nervous before the first game, but I became calmer as the tournament wore on.  We had a meeting with our coach before the Mexico game and made a promise to ourselves to do our best so that we get at least one win. 

What lesson did you learn from the World Cup?
I got to appreciate the importance of preparation and investment in women’s football. Countries that have made good investments in women’s football performed much better than we did because they prepared very well and had all the support they needed. I am also glad that the platform provided me with a chance to showcase my talent. Through interactions with other talented players, I got inspired to work hard.

Do you think Kenya can make it to that stage again this year? 
We are definitely looking forward to going back this year, and we are committed to making it a reality. This Sunday we play Cameroon, which is one of the most experienced team in Africa. They must fall. We intend to get a win at home so that we have an easier time in Yaounde next week. I thank the coach and the technical bench who work day and night to make history again.

You play for a Ulinzi Starlets, a military team. Do you have ambitions to become a soldier?
Before signing for Ulinzi, I turned down many offers from other teams including defending champions Kenya Police Bullets. Although I enjoy the military association, I’m not planning to join the police. I am more interested in a football scholarship to study in a foreign country but for now, I’m focused on helping Ulinzi stay win the league title.

What do you do in your free time?

I love watching Nigerian movies.

Your favorite food?
Chicken and ugali. I’m from Western Kenya, you know. 

Who inspires you?
I adore Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and PSG goalkeeper Mary Alexandra Earps.