As the second leg of the Kenya Premier League kicks off, Kayole Starlets have strengthened their squad by signing three standout players from the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars, signaling the club’s intent to push for a top-three finish this season.
The new recruits—Sonia Wambui (goalkeeper), Calta Nasambu (striker), and Naomi Nanjala (position)—bring experience from Barcelona Ladies SC of Laikipia, currently competing in the National Super League (NSL).
The trio have already joined the team and are participating in intensive training sessions ahead of crucial league fixtures.
The players’ journey includes representing the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars in an international bootcamp in Huesca, Spain, last September. They also played for Barcelona Ladies SC during Season Four of Chapa Dimba, representing the Central Region at the national finals in Kisumu, gaining both competitive and international exposure.
“I am excited to join Kayole Starlets. Playing in the Kenya Premier League has always been my dream, and joining mid-season gives me an opportunity to help the team achieve its goals. Safaricom Chapa Dimba has been crucial in my football journey, and it is because of this platform that I am here today,” said Naomi Wanjala.
The trio joins other Chapa Dimba alumni in the squad, including Eunice ‘Bobi’ Nabwoba and Praxedes Shivikhwa, who represented Wiyeta Girls in Season Four, showcasing how grassroots tournaments are feeding quality talent into the top tier of Kenyan football. Nabwoba also brings international experience from playing for Amus College in Uganda.
“Chapa Dimba is more than a tournament; it is a talent incubator that prepares young players for professional football. I am grateful to Kayole Starlets for trusting me and will give my all to contribute to the team’s success,” said Sonia Wambui.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to provide pathways for footballers across the country, with over 30 players from the most recent season already joining National Super League and Kenya Premier League clubs. Notable names include Emily Morang’a (Kenya Police), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Derick Okech (Shabana FC), Austine Odongo (Shabana FC), Stanley Waswa (Ulinzi Stars), Bryton Otieno (Gor Mahia), Brian Aroko (Tusker Youth), Lorrine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens), Swaumu Masungo (Kibera Soccer Women), Marion Serenge (St. Noa – Uganda), among others.
Other prominent alumni include Atem Kato (Penn State Nittany Lions), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Brain Enock Wanyama (Tatung FC, Taiwan), Benson Omala (Nairobi United), David Majak (Kariobangi Sharks), Jane Hato (Master’s University), Judith Osimbo (Ulinzi Starlets), and Cynthia Livondo.
Speaking at a training session at Calvary Sports Grounds, Kayole Starlets coach Joshua Sakwa expressed confidence in the squad’s strengthened roster:
“Tournaments like Safaricom Chapa Dimba are essential in discovering and developing talent. Currently, we have five players in our squad who are Chapa Dimba alumni. They bring quality, skill, and determination that will be key in pushing for a strong finish this season,” he said.
Currently ranked seventh in the league, Kayole Starlets are aiming for a top-three finish, leveraging the fresh talent injected mid-season by Safaricom Chapa Dimba alumni.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a national grassroots football tournament targeting youth aged 16–20. It aims to discover talent, transform lives, and create pathways for professional growth, positioning young players to advance to the highest levels of Kenyan football.
