Harambee Starlet reveals award she is craving to win in Uganda

Harambee Starlets forward Marion Serenge has set her sights on clinching the top scorer award in the Ugandan Women’s Premier League following her move to St Noa Girls FC earlier this year.

The 18-year-old attacker joined the league newcomers in February and has already made an immediate impact, netting six goals in the five matches played for the Ugandan side.

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Serenge’s ambitions come at a time when her international career is also gathering momentum.

She recently made her senior debut for the Harambee Starlets during their 2-0 victory over India women's national football team on Saturday, 11 April, a result that secured Kenya a place in the FIFA Series final.

Starlets are now set to face Australia women's national football team in the final on Wednesday, 15 April at the Nyayo National Stadium, and Serenge is hopeful of earning more minutes after a brief cameo in her debut match.

“First, I thank God. It has not been easy since the other time. I have taken quite a long period of time to come back, but I thank God I have come back stronger. Although I played for a few minutes, I am confident that I will play longer in the next match. I am back to the Serenge that you knew back then,” the youngster said.

Despite the stiff competition at both club and international levels, the youngster remains focused on making her mark.

“I aim to win the top scorer's award. I know it is not easy, but I hope for the best, and I hope to finish in a good position,” she added.

Adjusting to senior football has presented its challenges, but Serenge believes she is adapting well alongside more experienced players.

“It is not easy to play with the senior players in the team because they are more experienced. It is also my first time but I am catching up well,” the soft-spoken forward said.

Her football journey is anchored in a rich and deeply rooted sporting legacy, drawing inspiration from a family synonymous with Kenyan football excellence.

The Serenge family is widely regarded as a football dynasty, having produced several elite players across generations.

At the helm is legendary former Harambee Stars midfielder Fred Serenge, alongside Kevin Amwayi, a seasoned Kenyan Premier League player who has featured for Ulinzi Stars and Western Stima.

The family’s football heritage also traces back to the late Paul Serenge, who played during the colonial era, and extends to several other members who have graced top-tier football, including Festus, Maurice, Joe, Anthony, Zedrick, and Jackline Serenge.

“Coming from a football family also motivates me to aspire to achieve what they have achieved. That is what encourages me to work hard,” she noted.

On her experience in Uganda, Serenge dismissed any notion that the league is easy.

“Uganda has been great so far. Their league is tough and not as easy as some of the people think. It is not easy,” she said.

Serenge rose to prominence on the global stage during the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, where her pace and attacking threat earned her international recognition.

She played a key role in helping Kenya secure a historic first qualification to a FIFA World Cup at the youth level.

Her performances saw her ranked the fourth-fastest player at the tournament, clocking an impressive top speed of 30.42 km/h.

Following her exploits with the Junior Starlets, Serenge earned promotion to the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s U-20 side, for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.