Marjolen Nekesa, Kenyan international sensation and star player for Czech side Slavia Praha, scored a brace in the first nine minutes of a UEFA Women’s Champions League showdown against Romanian powerhouse Olimpia Cluj on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
In a dazzling display of skill and precision, Nekesa left the football world awestruck as she orchestrated a goal-scoring spectacle.
With a meteoric rise, Nekesa’s scoring prowess was evident from the get-go, as she stunned the audience with two remarkable goals within the first nine minutes of the first half.
The electrifying spectacle commenced in the fourth minute when she calmly slotted in the opening goal.
This was just the prelude to her masterful performance as she doubled Praha’s lead in the ninth minute, setting the stage for a goal fest at the Eden Arena.
Nekesa maintains her form
Nekesa’s dominance on the pitch didn’t waver as Slavia Praha claimed a resounding 5-0 victory, solidifying their position in the UEFA Women’s Champions League second-round clash.
The anticipation for the second leg of the fixture on Wednesday, October 18, is palpable.
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The 24-year-old Kenyan forward has been a scoring sensation this season, picking up right where she left off in the previous season.
In the 22/23 season, Nekesa not only secured the Czech Women’s First League top scorer title but also led her team to victory.
Hailing from Kitale, Kenya, Marjolen Nekesa’s journey to football stardom is a remarkable tale.
From Butere to the Czech Republic
An alumnus of Butere Girls, she embarked on her football odyssey, initially representing her high school.
Her standout performances earned her a scholarship at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in the United States in 2017.
Furthermore, the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles Coach spotted her during a talent scouting exercise in Kenya.
Nekesa’s journey continued as she donned the Kenyan National Women’s Under-20 team’s jersey, the Rising Starlets, before ascending to prominence with her university team.
This trajectory culminated in her becoming a star player.
While pursuing a degree in Sports Management, the Kenyan star ventured overseas to sign with Belarusian giants FC Minsk in March 2022.
During her tenure, Nekesa exhibited remarkable prowess, bagging an astounding 31 goals in just 15 appearances and finishing as the runner-up in the Belarusian Women’s Super-Cup.
In August 2022, she took the next step in her career, joining Slavia Praha.
Nekesa called up for WAFCON Qualifiers
Nekesa’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, as she was recently called up for the 2024 Women’s AFCON Qualifiers to represent the Harambee Starlets, in September 2023.
Though she missed the match against Cameroon due to health reasons, her dedication and dream remain unshaken.
“I have waited for so long for such a moment, to represent my country and accomplish my childhood dream, but God decided it wasn’t time yet,” expressed Nekesa.
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However, she maintains a steadfast resolve, proclaiming, “I am still keeping my dream alive and looking forward to featuring for the national team in future assignments.”
The Harambee Starlets however triumphed in her absence and are now set to face Botswana in the second round of the Women’s AFCON Qualifiers between November 27 and December 5.
