Harambee Starlets teenager's motivation to youngsters after completing Spanish move

Harambee Starlets forward Valarie Nekesa says her move to Spanish Liga F side CD Tenerife Femenino marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career, with the teenage sensation determined to establish herself in European football.

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The 18-year-old believes joining the Spanish top-flight club is the perfect opportunity to continue her development and fulfil a childhood dream of playing on one of the world's biggest stages.

Nekesa was unveiled by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife-based side on 11 July, becoming only the third Kenyan woman to sign for a club in Spain after Cynthia Shilwatso, who featured for DUX Logroño, and Vivian Corazon Aquino, who joined Atlético Madrid.

Born in Bungoma County and raised in Murang'a, Nekesa rose through the school football ranks at Madira Girls High School before earning national recognition with the Junior Starlets.

She played a key role in helping Kenya qualify for their maiden FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic, performances that accelerated her rise into the senior national team.

The forward is currently with the Harambee Starlets in Miramas, France, where the team is holding a pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to run from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 16 August in Morocco.

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Speaking before the team departed for France, Nekesa described the transfer as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.

"I have dreamed of playing in Europe since I was young, and today that dream has come true. I thank God for making it possible and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, especially my coaches, who have continued to guide and inspire me.

I also want to thank FKF Head of Technical Education and School Football Programs Alex Alumirah, who worked tirelessly to make this move possible. His efforts have finally borne fruit."

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The youngster urged aspiring footballers to remain patient and committed to their dreams, insisting that talent alone is not enough to succeed.

"I want to encourage young players to keep working hard because talent alone is not enough. Success comes from combining talent with hard work, discipline, and faith in God. I hope my journey inspires others to believe that their dreams are achievable."

Although she is yet to fully settle into her new surroundings, Nekesa is eager to embrace the challenge of European football.

"I don't know much about CD Tenerife yet, but I believe it is the right environment for me to grow and showcase my ability. I just want to prepare myself mentally, physically, and psychologically for the challenge ahead."

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba welcomed the transfer, describing it as another milestone for Kenyan women's football and evidence that the country's school football structures are producing players capable of competing at the highest level.

"Nekesa's move to a European club is a testament to the importance of school football programs. That is where we identify and nurture talent.

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The government should invest more in school competitions and women's football at every level so that we continue producing players capable of making the step to professional football abroad," said Odemba.