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Enez Mango: From heartbreak to Wafcon redemption
Harambee Starlets defender Enez Mango in action during a previous match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- Ten years ago, Mango helped Harambee Starlets qualify for their first ever Wafcon appearance.
- However, despite her pivotal role, Mango never made the final squad for the 2016 tournament.
Defender Enez Mango’s journey to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is one of heartbreak, perseverance, and redemption.
In 2016,
She was part of the Harambee Starlets squad that made history in 2016 by qualifying for their first ever Wafcon appearance.
Mango, a computer science graduate from Kenya Methodist University, was among the heroes of that campaign. She scored the crucial equaliser in the 75th minute against battle-hardened Algeria, sealing Kenya’s qualification on the away goals rule after the two-leg tied ended in a 3-3 aggregate score.
But despite her pivotal role, Mango never made it to Cameroon for the tournament. She was forced to make an agonising choice between representing Kenya and pursuing a Google-sponsored job and learning opportunity in Ethiopia, which she believed would secure her future after university.
“I took part in a competition in Nairobi where the top three were promised a three-month programme in Ethiopia,” she recounted.
“But since I was in training camp and phones were confiscated, I missed the confirmation email and the spot went to someone else.”
The timing couldn't have been worse.
"I had just finished University, and I knew that was the time to grab the opportunity," she continued.
Harambee Starlets defender Enez Mango during a training session at Stade Lar Dior in Thies, Senegal.
Earlier, she had informed the then-coach, David Ouma, about the potential conflict and indicated that she might not be available. At the time she wasn't a regular starter on the national team.
By the time she learned the opportunity had slipped away, the team had already departed for Cameroon.
Missing out on both the job opportunity and the Wafcon tournament was a devastating experience for the young defender.
“I couldn’t call the coach to ask to be included again,” she said. “I was heartbroken, but coach David Ouma encouraged me. He told me my time would come.”
Experienced defenders
At the time, Mango was not a regular starter, competing against experienced defenders such as Wendy Achieng, Dorcas Shikobe, and Dorris Anyango.
She chose to prioritise the professional opportunity, only to lose both chances. This left her devastated — but determined.
Now, at 32, Mango’s patience has been rewarded. A decade later, she helped the Starlets qualify for another Wafcon, following Kenya’s 4-1 aggregate victory over The Gambia.
At club level, Mango captained Vihiga Queens to four Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League titles in six seasons. She also led the team to victory in the 2021 Cecafa Women’s Club Championship, securing a historic spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.
In 2022, Mango joined Farul Constanța in Romania, where she currently plays alongside fellow Kenyan and Starlets stalwart, goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.
Mango was named team captain this season, a testament to her leadership and resilience. Constanța currently top the eight-team league with 16 points from nine matches.
“Playing alongside a Kenyan abroad makes me feel at home,” Mango told Nation Sport. “Lilian and I motivate each other, just like during our days at Vihiga Queens. We want to win the league again and qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.”
Mango’s journey is one of faith, patience, and ultimate triumph — from missing out on her first Wafcon due to circumstances beyond her control, to leading by example on and off the field.
