Eldoret, 27th July 2025 – Huruma Grounds in Eldoret came alive on Sunday as it hosted an exciting Three Counties Ladies Football Friendly Mini-League, featuring top women’s teams from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kakamega Counties.
The one-day event brought together Huruma Starlets (Uasin Gishu), Iten Queens (Elgeyo Marakwet), and The Iron Ladies Soccer Club (Kakamega) for a showcase of skill, determination, and women’s football development in the region.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was graced by notable football stakeholders, including FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei, FKF Uasin Gishu Chairman Peter Chesang, FKF Uasin Gishu Treasurer, FKF Uasin Gishu Youth Representative, as well as coaches and team managers from the three counties.
FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei praised the initiative, saying:
“This is the kind of event that shows the future of women’s football in Kenya is bright. We need to keep giving these players opportunities to compete at all levels.”
FKF Uasin Gishu Chairman Peter Chesang echoed the sentiments:
“Our focus as FKF is to ensure that grassroots development remains strong. These girls are talented, and we will keep supporting such inter-county engagements.”
The FKF Uasin Gishu Treasurer added:
“Financial planning and accountability are key to growing ladies’ football. We will work with all stakeholders to make these events more sustainable.”
FKF Uasin Gishu Youth Representative emphasized youth involvement:
“This friendlies set up has shown that with the right structures, we can nurture stars for the national team. Our young girls deserve these platforms.”
Opening Fixture: Iten Queens vs Iron Ladies
The day kicked off with a thrilling clash between Iten Queens and The Iron Ladies. Fans witnessed an entertaining match filled with attacking football and tactical brilliance, proving once again that Kenya’s women’s football has immense potential.
The Iron Ladies stamped their authority with a 3-0 victory over the Elgeyo Marakwet side, thanks to clinical finishing and solid teamwork.
Iron Ladies Technical Director and Head Coach Lemmy Easter said:
“We came here to compete and also learn. The girls executed the game plan perfectly. These inter-county events are vital for exposure and growth.”
Iten Queens Team Manager Mr. Ahmad admitted his side faced a tough opponent:
“Iron Ladies are experienced, and today they showed it. But this is a learning curve for us, and we will come back stronger.”
Iten Queens Coach Mr. Omondi added:
“Our players need more competitive matches like this. The gap is not huge; with better training, we will catch up.”
Huruma Starlets Coach Mr. Fred, whose team was also scheduled to play, expressed disappointment at the event being cut short:
“It’s sad that we couldn’t finish the fixtures. Our girls were ready, and such opportunities don’t come every day.”
Unfortunate End to the Event
Despite the promising start, the mini-league was abruptly cut short after a section of rowdy men stormed the grounds, claiming they had a right to use the pitch for the remainder of the day. The incident disrupted the event and left organizers and fans disappointed.
The Way Forward
Both FKF chairmen emphasized that such disruptions should never happen again and pledged to tighten coordination between event organizers, FKF branches, and local authorities.
FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei stated:
“Going forward, all events will have formal bookings and security arrangements in place. We want our players to enjoy football without interference.”
FKF Uasin Gishu Chairman Peter Chesang added:
“We will work closely with the county government and law enforcement to ensure grounds are properly secured. Women’s football deserves respect and protection.”
Plans are also underway to schedule a rematch for the unfinished fixtures and to create more structured inter-county women’s friendlies and tournaments to develop the sport among women.
FOOTBALL KENYA FEDERATION KAKAMEGA 