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Kenyan sensation Marjolen Nekesa's Slavia Prague faces challenging group stage with Lyon in UEFA Women's Champions League.
Slavia Prague found themselves drawn into a riveting and challenging Group B in the UEFA Women's Champions League, pitting them against some of the football giants.
However, the spotlight is firmly on one player in particular, the 24-year-old Kenyan sensation, Marjolen Nekesa Wafula, who is poised to make history once again as she continues her remarkable journey in the world of football.
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14:42 - 19.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Starlets striker inspires Slavia Prague to Champions League group stage
The Kitale-born striker inspired Slavia Prague to the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Holders Barcelona, FC Rosengard, Benfica, and four-time winners Eintracht Frankfurt are the formidable foes that Slavia Prague, with their star player Nekesa, will have to face in their quest for glory.
The UEFA Women's Champions League group stage draw, conducted by UEFA's Managing Director of Women's Football, Nadine Kessler, and former Arsenal and Bayern player, Viktoria Schnaderbeck, left fans buzzing with anticipation as the competition promises thrilling encounters.
Nekesa's journey to this pivotal moment is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Kitale, Kenya, her passion for football was ignited by her father at a tender age.
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05:30 - 20.09.2023
FOOTBALL Czech-based midfielder reveals reason for Harambee Starlets final squad omission
The Czech-based midfielder was unexpectedly omitted from the Starlets squad but expressed her dream to represent Kenya in the future.
After completing her education at Butere Girls High School, she embarked on an impressive journey that eventually led her to the United States, where she attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
During her time there, Nekesa made an indelible mark by majoring in Sports Management and netting a remarkable 25 goals in her freshman year.
In 2022, Nekesa took her talents to Belarus, where she signed with Minsk. There, she made her debut and etched her name in the history books by scoring her first goal for the club in the Belarusian Women's Super Cup final.
08:06 - 12.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Starlets striker nets nine-minute Champions League brace as Slavia Prague coast to victory
The goalscoring Harambee Starlets machine’s brace inspired Slavia Prague Women to Champions League victory over a frankly hapless Olimpia Cluj.
But Nekesa's journey was far from over; she continued her ascent in the world of women's football by signing with Czech side Slavia. It was here that she achieved yet another significant milestone, becoming the first Kenyan women's player to grace the Czech Republic.
In the 2022-23 Czech Women's First League, Nekesa dominated the competition, finishing as the league's top scorer with an impressive fourteen goals.
As the UEFA Women's Champions League group-stage draw was revealed, Group B emerged as the "Group of Destiny," featuring iconic teams such as Lyon, Slavia Prague, St Polten, and SK Brann.
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11:00 - 21.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect destined to fill Abdoulaye Doucoure's boots at Everton
Young Everton midfielder with Kenyan roots is touted as Abdoulaye Doucoure's successor, showcasing promise during loan spells and in international football.
Lyon, the powerhouse chasing their ninth Champions League title, presents an exciting prospect for fans, as it could potentially set the stage for a family duel between sisters Ada and Andrine Hegerberg.
Nekesa's impact on the world of women's football is undeniable. With her remarkable journey and impressive performances, she is set to be a key figure in Group B.
Her journey from Kitale, Kenya, to Slavia Prague, along with her previous exploits in Belarus, demonstrates the global reach and appeal of women's football.
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09:20 - 21.10.2023
FOOTBALL Chelsea vs Arsenal: Preview, team news & predicted line-ups as the Gunners seek to extend brilliant start at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal are aiming to maintain their unbeaten Premier League run away to Chelsea but Mauricio Pochettino’s men will not be pushovers given their recent resurgence
As the group fixtures are set to run from 14 November to 31 January, fans worldwide will eagerly anticipate each match, hoping to see Nekesa continue her meteoric rise and inspire future generations of female footballers.
Women's Champions League group-stage draw
Group A: Barcelona, FC Rosengard, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt
Group B: Lyon, Slavia Prague, St Polten, SK Brann
Group C: Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Roma, Ajax
Group D: Chelsea, Real Madrid, BK Hacken, Paris FC
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