Nekesa targets new heights after Spanish move
Starlets' striker Valarie Nekesa celebrates a goal in past match. She has now joined Spanish Women Premier League side CD Tenerife Femenino. Photo/Handout.
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Nekesa says joining Spanish top-flight side CD Tenerife Femenino is a dream come true and the ideal platform to take her football career to the next level.
The 18-year-old was unveiled by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife-based club on 11 July 2026, becoming the third Kenyan woman to sign for a club in Spain after Cynthia Shilwatso (DUX Logroño) and Vivian Corazon Aquino (Atlético Madrid).
Born in Bungoma County and raised in Murang'a, Nekesa rose through the ranks at Madira Girls High School before starring for the Junior Starlets, helping Kenya qualify for the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
She is currently part of the Harambee Starlets squad holding a training camp in Miramas, France, ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August.
Speaking before the team departed for France, Nekesa described her move to Europe 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 Programmes Alex Alumirah, who worked tirelessly to make this move possible. His efforts have finally borne fruit."The teenager also encouraged aspiring footballers to remain disciplined and committed to developing their talent.
"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 admits she is still learning about her new club, Nekesa is eager to embrace the challenge.
"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 Nekesa's move, describing it as proof that Kenya's school football structures can produce players capable of competing at the highest level.
Odemba also called for greater investment in women's football and school competitions to sustain the country's growing talent pipeline.
"Nekesa's move to a European club is a testament to the importance of school football programmes. That is where we identify and nurture talent. 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."
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