Junior Starlets' Serenge ready to sacrifice KCSE for World Cup

Serenge says she decided to prioritize the national team assignment following consultations with her family members.

The global youthful fiesta primed for October 16 to November 3 will collide directly with the KCSE’s dates but Serenge believes the two are equally important.

Serenge, who was named the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for June on Tuesday, was lethal to her side in the two-leg match against Burundi which propelled the Junior Starlets to history as the first Kenyan national football team to qualify for a World Cup.

“It was not an easy decision to make, but after consulting my family, I have decided to take part in the World Cup if I make it to the squad.

“I believe I’m still young for the exams and that I may sit for it next year. The World Cup is a great chance which comes once and you never know what it holds. I may end up stirring and attract interest from European clubs for a chance of scholarship.”

Fred Serenge, Marion’s father who is also a former Harambee Stars player, has given her daughter the greenlight to choose the World Cup assignment over the KCSE examinations.

“As a former international, I understand well the importance of taking part in a big stage like World Cup. As the father, I have advised my daughter to skip the KCSE exams. I want her to be signed by the biggest women clubs abroad and that will happen if she will be given chance in the continental showpiece.

“Exams can be done anytime even in my old age, I can still go back to school and do exams but Word Cup is a very special occurrence.”

He added: “I also believe the Government will come with a plan to allow the players who are supposed to sit for their national exams to represent their country then arrange for their special exams maybe next year. That’s my thoughts but even if it backfires, Marion is one of the youngest players in the squad, and so she will play in the World Cup and do the exams later.”

Apart from Serenge, who studies at Archbishop Njenga, goalkeeper Velma Auma (Wiyeta Girls), defenders Christine Adhiambo (Nyakach Secondary), Lorine Ilavonga (Wiyeta Girls) and Velma Awuor (Nyakach Girls) are also facing the same dilemma.

The Junior Starlets’ campaign began at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, where they secured a 3-0 victory against Burundi in the first leg on June 9.

In the second leg played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on June 16, Serenge scored the opener after 17 minutes before Valerie Nekesa doubled the scores to bag a 5-0 aggregate win in the final round of the qualification.

Junior Starlets are in Group C alongside Korea DPR, Mexico, and England and they will open their campaign against England on Thursday, October 17.