'My Football team had to convince my mother'
Doreen Nabwire: A Football Journey from Mathare's Slums to Kenya's Football Federation
In the heart of Mathare, one of Nairobi's biggest slums, Doreen Nabwire's love affair with football began. Growing up in a football-enthusiastic family, Doreen's path was paved by her older brothers' involvement with the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). Despite initial hesitations and her mother's reservations, Doreen's passion led her to join MYSA's U14 team. Her exceptional skills quickly shone, leading the team to victory in the Norway Cup and earning her the title of the tournament's best player. This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey, propelling her into Kenya's national youth and women's teams while still in her teens. Doreen acknowledges MYSA's profound impact, crediting the organisation for equipping her with essential life skills and a strong sense of responsibility, shaping her into the athlete and role model she is today.
Doreen's professional aspirations initially leaned towards law, but financial constraints led her to pursue a degree in Tours, Travel, and Cabin-Crew from the Nairobi Aviation College. However, a brief stint at a travel agency left her feeling unfulfilled, as it took her away from her true passion: football. Recognizing the impact she had on young girls in Mathare, Doreen made the bold decision to decline a permanent job offer and continue her pursuit of a football career.
This decision proved to be a turning point, as Doreen soon achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first Kenyan woman to play professional football abroad. Her journey took her to the prestigious German Bundesliga, where she played for Werder Bremen. Doreen's time in Germany was not only marked by her success on the field but also by her involvement in the club's social initiatives, working with children in disadvantaged areas and schools.
After her time in Germany, Doreen played for FC Zwolle in the Netherlands and obtained her coaching degree. However, a persistent Achilles injury cut her professional career short in 2014 while playing for FC Köln. Returning to Kenya, Doreen established Girls Unlimited, an organisation dedicated to using sports to develop life skills in young individuals.
In 2016, Doreen embraced a new challenge by supporting Nick Mwendwa's candidacy for the Kenyan football federation elections. Mwendwa's victory led to Doreen being appointed as the Women Football Development Officer, making her responsible for women's competitions and grassroots development in the country. With a vision to transform women's football in Kenya, Doreen is focused on creating a robust structure to nurture talent and expand opportunities for girls and women across the nation.
“Since I had that talent with the ball and that brought me further in life, I experience it as a lasting responsibility to keep other young people on the right path. I want them to realise that the fact that you are born in a slum, and are brought up in a life of bitter poverty, does not mean you are destined to always live your life that way.”
Doreen's journey is a testament to her unwavering passion, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact. From her humble beginnings in Mathare to her influential role in shaping the future of women's football in Kenya, her story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a beacon of hope for young girls dreaming of a brighter future.
