When Euphrasier “Ashley” Shilwatso joined Kayole Starlets in October 2025, she arrived with a dream that many players spend years chasing.
“I will be happy when I get a call-up to the national team one day.” she said in the interview with the Club’s media
Those were her words upon joining the club. What followed has been a testament to hard work, patience, and unwavering belief. Just a month after making that statement, Shilwatso’s dream became a reality. Her impressive performances in the opening two matches of the season earned her a maiden Harambee Starlets call-up, marking a significant milestone in her football journey. She would go on to make her international debut in a friendly match against Algeria, coming on in the second half as Kenya battled to a 1-1 draw. For many players, a national team debut is the culmination of years of sacrifice. For Shilwatso, it was only the beginning.
Following the conclusion of the domestic season, the defender was once again named in the Harambee Starlets squad for the FIFA Women’s Series tournament in Ndola, Zambia. She was also part of the Kenya squad that featured in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series hosted in Kenya in April. The four-nation tournament brought together Kenya, hosts Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, providing players with a valuable platform to gain international experience ahead of future continental assignments.
Shilwatso was an unused substitute in Kenya’s opening fixture against Zambia, which ended in a 1-1 draw before the Starlets were eliminated in a penalty shootout. Her opportunity came in Kenya’s final match against Lesotho, a third-place playoff encounter. Introduced at the start of the second half in place of Elizabeth Ochaka, Shilwatso slotted into the defence and delivered a composed performance as the Starlets cruised to an emphatic 6-0 victory. While the headlines belonged to the goalscorers, the appearance represented another important step in Shilwatso’s international development. Every minute on the pitch adds valuable experience, confidence, and understanding of the demands of international football.
The victory over Lesotho secured Kenya a third-place finish in the tournament, with the FIFA Women’s Series once again proving to be a crucial platform for players to showcase their abilities and strengthen their case for future national team selection. For Shilwatso, the tournament was further proof that patience pays. From dreaming of a national team call-up to earning her debut and steadily adding international minutes to her tally, her journey has been defined by persistence and determination. With future national team assignments and Women African Cup Of Nation (WAFCON) on the horizon, the defender will be eager to build on this momentum and continue establishing herself within the Harambee Starlets setup.
It has been a rewarding month for Shilwatso. Alongside her growing international experience, she has also been nominated for Kayole Starlets’ May Player of the Month award, recognition of the consistency, resilience, and commitment she has displayed at the heart of the defence. Her story serves as a reminder that progress is not always immediate. Sometimes success comes to those who stay ready, remain patient, and never stop believing.
23 year-old Euphrasier “Ashley” Shilwatso has done exactly that and her journey is only just beginning!