Harambee Starlets forward Violet Nanjala eyes continental spotlight in Morocco

Fresh off her move to Maltese top-flight side Hibernians FC on July 13, the lethal striker was a pivotal figure in guiding Kenya back to the continental showpiece after a ten-year hiatus.

As the tournament kicks off from July 26 to August 16, Nanjala will fight for a starting berth alongside Valarie Nekesa, Marion Serenge, Shirleen Opisa, and Eglay Mukhwana.

We caught up with Nanjala during a training session at Kasarani Annex just before the squad departed for their pre-tournament camp in France.

Born on January 20, 2000, in Misemwa Village, Bungoma County, Nanjala’s football journey began at Misemwa Primary School. She honed her talent at Utithi Secondary in Makueni before completing her studies at football powerhouse Archbishop Njenga Girls High School in Kakamega.

The eldest in a family of five, Nanjala made an immediate impression after high school with Trans Nzoia Falcons. In 2020, she finished as the league's second-highest scorer—just one goal behind current Harambee Starlets captain, Mwanahalima 'Jereko' Adam.

A loan move to Vihiga Queens in 2021 launched her onto the continental stage. During the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt, Nanjala etched her name in history by scoring in Vihiga’s memorable 2-0 victory over Moroccan giants ASFAR.

That international exposure paved the way for a two-year move to Moroccan club Municipal de Laâyoune in October 2022. She took the league by storm, bagging an impressive 23 goals in 26 matches to finish as top scorer and propel her side to a third-place finish.

After a planned move to Israel fell through in 2024 due to security concerns surrounding the Gaza conflict, Laâyoune eagerly re-signed her in September.

A year later, in September 2025, she made the switch to Saudi Arabian Premier League side United Eagles FC, before landing her recent move to Europe with Hibernians FC.

Now, as the Starlets head to Rabat following an intensive training stint in Miramas, France, Nanjala views this WAFCON not just as a tournament, but as a gateway to her ultimate goal: playing in England.

“We are very ready for the Wafcon and our main aim to reach the semifinal spot so that we qualify for World Cup. I missed the chance to play Wafcon in 2016 because I was a young school girl but opportunity has presented itself again. My aim is to play for Manchester United Women and Wafcon is good platform to showcase my talent.”