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Coach Mary 'Busu' Adhiambo
Head Coach | Kayole Starlets FCCoach Mary Adhiambo, fondly known as “Busu”, is one of the true pioneers and legends of Kenyan women’s football. From her early days representing Harambee Starlets as a player to guiding the team as a coach on the continental stage, Mary’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and an unshakable love for the game.
Currently serving as the Head Coach of Kayole Starlets FC, she brings over two decades of experience as a player, coach, and mentor — shaping the future of women’s football both on and off the pitch.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Mary Adhiambo
- Nickname: “Busu”
- Current Role: Head Coach, Kayole Starlets FC
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Years Active: 1993 – Present
- Playing Position: Defensive Midfielder (Former Harambee Starlets)
- Coaching Experience: 15+ years
- Coaching Philosophy: Discipline, teamwork, and tactical intelligence
- Known For: High-press tactical setups, player development, calm leadership
Coaching Journey
- Assistant Coach – Harambee Starlets (2015–2017): Part of the technical bench that guided Kenya to its first-ever AWCON finals (2016) in Cameroon — a historic milestone.
- Head Coach – Mathare United Women (2018–2021): Led the team in the Women’s Premier League, emphasizing structure, tactical awareness, and youth development.
- Technical Coach – MYSA (Mathare Youth Sports Association): Developed young female footballers through grassroots and community programs in one of Kenya’s most successful youth systems.
- Head Coach – Kayole Starlets FC (2023–Present): Leads the Kayole Starlets in the Kenya Women’s Premier League, bringing national-team experience, tactical discipline, and mentorship.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Player (Harambee Starlets, 1993–2006): Represented Kenya in multiple WAFCON Qualifiers.
- Assistant Coach (Harambee Starlets, 2016): Helped Kenya qualify for its first-ever Africa Women Cup of Nations.
- Head Coach (Kayole Starlets FC, 2024): Guided the team to the WNSL Championship Title and earned promotion to the Kenya Women’s Premier League.
- Youth Development: Mentored players who progressed to Kenya U17, U20, and senior national teams.
- Trailblazer: Recognized as an early champion of women’s football development and equality in sport.
Coaching Badges & Education
- CAF C License – Confederation of African Football (CAF)
- CAF D License – Grassroots Development Certificate
- FIFA Grassroots Football Coaching Course – MYSA
Coaching Philosophy
Built on discipline, teamwork, and tactical intelligence, Mary’s approach combines structured pressing, ball control, and player empowerment. She ensures every athlete understands not just what to do, but why.
She is deeply passionate about developing women’s football in Kenya — nurturing players who can compete at the highest levels locally and internationally.
“Football isn’t just about winning — it’s about proving that discipline and unity can change lives.” — Coach Mary Adhiambo
Legacy
Coach Mary Adhiambo remains one of the most respected figures in Kenyan women’s football — a symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership. Her journey from national team player to national team coach to club leader continues to inspire a new generation of women and girls across Kenya.
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Margaret Wanjihia
Assistant CoachMargaret Njihia is an Assistant Coach at Kayole Starlets FC and a former player whose leadership and game intelligence now power our technical bench. She joined the bench in 2023 and previously coached MYSA girls’ youth teams, where she helped nurture some of Nairobi’s brightest prospects.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Margaret Njihia
- Role: Assistant Coach, Kayole Starlets FC
- Joined Technical Bench: 2023
- Former Role: Player (Kayole Starlets)
- Youth Coaching: MYSA Girls’ Teams (coach & mentor)
- Known For: Player development, clear communication, pressing structure, calm leadership
Coaching / Technical Journey
- Assistant Coach – Kayole Starlets (2023–Present): Supports match preparation, in-game adjustments, and individual player development; leads small-group sessions focused on pressing triggers and transitions.
- MYSA Girls’ Youth Teams – Coach (Prior to 2023): Designed age-appropriate training cycles, talent-ID sessions, and mentorship programs that promoted several girls into competitive league environments.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Seamless transition from player to coach, strengthening the club’s culture and standards.
- Instrumental in integrating academy and senior training blocks for positional play and game models.
- Helped accelerate youth graduates’ readiness through structured feedback and video reviews.
Coaching Credentials & Education
- CAF D License
“Coaching is about clarity and care — when players understand the ‘why,’ they play with confidence and purpose.” — Margaret Njihia
Legacy & Vision
Margaret believes in building resilient, intelligent footballers who thrive in high-pressure moments and lead on and off the pitch.
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Vincent Ngesa
Assistant CoachVincent Ngesa is our Assistant Coach at Kayole Starlets FC. A former Premier League player with stints at Nzoia Sugar and Tusker FC, he brings a winning mentality and on-field experience into his coaching role.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Vincent Ngesa
- Role: Assistant Coach, Kayole Starlets FC
- Former Player: Nzoia Sugar, Tusker FC
- Championships (as player): Kenyan Premier League titles in 2021 & 2022
- Known For: Tactical insight, leadership, championship experience
Coaching / Technical Journey
- Assistant Coach – Kayole Starlets (2025–Present): Works closely with the Head Coach to design tactics, mentor players, and coordinate match preparation.
- Winning Experience Transferred: Applies lessons from his championship seasons at Tusker to instill professionalism, vision, and resilience throughout the squad.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Kenyan Premier League titles with Tusker FC (2021, 2022)
- Key match contributions and leadership during his playing career
- Seamless transition from player to coach at club level
- Now serving in a strategic technical role in women’s football
Coaching Credentials & Education
“I carry forward what I learned on the field — discipline, vision, and resilience — into every session as a coach, to help this team rise.” — Vincent Ngesa
Legacy & Vision
Vincent’s ambition is to see Kayole Starlets compete at the highest levels of women’s football, powered by smart strategy, resilience, and a championship mindset. He believes the same qualities that win titles in men’s football can be cultivated within the women’s game — and he is committed to leading that charge.
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Charles Otieno
Goalkeeping CoachCharles Otieno leads the goalkeeping department at Kayole Starlets FC. A committed trainer, he recently completed the Elite CAF Goalkeeping Course, reinforcing his technical credentials.
Under his guidance, goalkeepers such as Pauline Kathuruh have shown noticeable progress and consistency, reflecting his impact on form and confidence.
Quick Facts
- Name: Charles Otieno
- Role: Goalkeeping Coach, Kayole Starlets FC
- Recent Qualification: Elite CAF Goalkeeping Course
- Specialty: Shot-stopping systems, positioning, reflex training
Coaching / Technical Journey
- Goalkeeping Coach – Kayole Starlets (Current): Oversees development, training, and consistency of the club’s goalkeepers.
- Elite CAF Goalkeeping Course Graduate: Completed advanced goalkeeper training recognized at the continental level.
- Keeper Mentorship: Works hands-on with goalkeepers to enhance technical precision and mental toughness.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Completed Elite CAF Goalkeeping Course.
- Praised by the club for exceptional impact on the team’s goalkeeping department.
- Played a key role in developing top-performing keepers such as Pauline Kathuruh.
Technical Credentials & Education
- Elite CAF Goalkeeping Course (CAF Certified)
“A goalkeeper is only as good as their training — I believe in sharpening reflex, mindset, and readiness under pressure.” — Charles Otieno
Legacy & Vision
Charles Otieno is on a mission to raise the goalkeeping standard at Kayole Starlets to match the best clubs in Africa. By introducing modern training methods, instilling psychological resilience, and mentoring young keepers, he is building a legacy between the sticks for the next generation of goalkeeping talent.
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George Abiola
Goalkeeping CoachGeorge Abiala serves as an Assistant Goalkeeping Coach at Kayole Starlets FC, working closely with Charles Otieno to prepare, condition, and mentor the team’s goalkeepers. His focus on sharp reflexes, mental readiness, and situational awareness adds vital depth to the club’s goalkeeping program.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: George Abiala
- Role: Assistant Goalkeeping Coach, Kayole Starlets FC
- Reporting To: Head Goalkeeping Coach, Charles Otieno
- Specialty: Reflex training, distribution drills, mental conditioning
- Known For: Technical precision, consistency, and modern goalkeeping insights
Coaching / Technical Journey
- Assistant Goalkeeping Coach – Kayole Starlets (Current): Works alongside Charles Otieno to design and execute goalkeeper-specific training cycles, match preparation routines, and individualized recovery programs.
- Grassroots Coaching: Involved in youth and academy-level goalkeeper training within Nairobi-based football programs, emphasizing technical fundamentals and confidence under pressure.
- Focus Areas: Reaction drills, one-on-one situations, cross handling, and building goalkeeper leadership.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Part of the evolving Kayole Starlets technical team developing elite goalkeepers for top-flight competition.
- Contributed to improved training data tracking and performance evaluation for goalkeepers.
- Played a role in enhancing consistency in the team’s defensive performance.
Coaching Credentials & Education
“Goalkeeping isn’t just about saves — it’s about presence, anticipation, and mental strength. My goal is to help every keeper become the calmest player on the pitch.” — George Abiala
Legacy & Vision
George’s mission is to help Kayole Starlets develop a new generation of goalkeepers who combine technical sharpness with composure and leadership. By supporting Charles Otieno in creating structured training routines and individualized feedback loops, he aims to make the Kayole Starlets goalkeeping department a model of excellence in Kenyan women’s football.
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Esther Mazira
Performance AnalystEsther Mazira is our Performance Analyst and a former captain of Kayole Starlets FC. Born and raised in Mathare North, Nairobi, she combines her deep club connection with a player’s insight to elevate performance at every level.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Esther Mazira
- Role: Performance Analyst, Kayole Starlets FC
- Former Role: Club Captain, Kayole Starlets Women
- Position (as player): Midfielder
- Youth / Early Club: Otto-Benecker FC (Mathare North)
- Education / Projects: Co-founder, She Can / I’m a SHERO (Wilsen Initiative); currently studying BCom at Kenyatta University
Technical / Analytics Journey
- Performance Analyst – Kayole Starlets (Current): Analyzes match & training footage, provides insights to coaching staff, and helps refine performance strategies.
- Leadership / Community: Co-founder and driver of the She Can / I’m a SHERO initiative under Wilsen Initiative, mentoring girls and promoting sport + education integration.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Transitioned from club captain to a key technical staff role — performance analysis — within the same club.
- Led and motivated as captain during her playing tenure at Kayole Starlets.
- Uses analytics to directly inform player development, tactical tweaks, and performance feedback.
- Impactful community work through the She Can / I’m a SHERO initiative — bridging sport, mentorship, and education.
Technical Credentials & Education
- Video analysis & match footage tools (e.g., OnceSport, Hudl, Wyscout)
- Data Analysis
“Playing football taught me discipline, vision, and leadership — now, as an analyst, I want to help players see the game more clearly and fulfill their potential.” — Esther Mazira
Legacy & Vision
As a former captain turned technical leader, Esther bridges the heart of the team with the insight that data and analysis bring. Her ambition is to deepen performance analytics in women’s football, mentor the next wave of female analysts, and continue positively impacting youth through sport and education.
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Faith Oditt
Team ManagerFaith Oditt leads the operations side of Kayole Starlets FC as Team Manager, and is a former player whose commitment to the club has evolved from the field to the boardroom. She is the longest-serving player in the club’s history, having worn the Kayole Starlets jersey from 2015 to 2023 before transitioning into management.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Faith Oditt
- Role: Team Manager, Kayole Starlets FC
- Former Role: Player (Kayole Starlets)
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Playing Years: 2015–2023
- Strengths: Leadership, team coordination, operations
Management / Team Operations Journey
- Team Manager – Kayole Starlets (Current): Oversees all logistics, matchday operations, travel coordination, player welfare, and club administration.
- Player-to-Manager Transition: Brings insider knowledge and empathy from her eight-year playing career, ensuring seamless communication between players, technical staff, and executives.
Notable Achievements & Milestones
- Longest-serving player in Kayole Starlets history (2015–2023).
- Transitioned from key player to respected team manager — symbolizing loyalty and leadership growth.
- Ensures operational excellence through efficient logistics, planning, and welfare systems.
- Bridges the gap between the technical and administrative teams, strengthening club culture and communication.
Education & Credentials
“From wearing the jersey to managing the team, my mission is to make sure everything off the pitch empowers performance on it.” — Faith Oditt
Legacy & Vision
Faith Oditt stands as a bridge between the playing field and the office — a living embodiment of the Kayole Starlets spirit. Her vision is to build strong operational structures that allow coaches and players to focus solely on performance. Through her leadership, she aims to make Kayole Starlets a benchmark for professionalism in women’s football across Kenya.
