Ulinzi Starlets winger Immaculate Wangira /HANDOUTImmaculate Wangira’s career is tracking upwards at Ulinzi Starlets, but her focus is fixed on a bigger target — breaking into the Harambee Starlets squad.
The midfielder says she is pushing harder than ever as she approaches what she believes is the most important stage of her journey.
“I feel like I’m entering the most important stage of my career and my target now is to push my game to a higher level every season,” she says.
At club level, she continues to deliver with speed, clean passing and calm creativity, qualities that have made her one of Ulinzi’s most reliable players.
“Ulinzi has given me the platform to grow and I want to repay that trust by being a key contributor in big matches. My target is to remain reliable for the team, keep creating chances, and help us compete for titles.”
But everything she is building now is aligned to one ambition — earning her first call-up to the national team.
“Wearing the Harambee Starlets jersey is my biggest dream,” Wangira says. “I’m working every day to prove that I belong there, and I believe that with discipline and consistency, that chance will come.”
Her dream remains alive even after missing out on the latest 23-player squad named by head coach Beldine Odemba for two friendlies against Algeria later this month. Wangira says the omission only sharpens her determination.
Wangira’s rise has been steady. She featured for Makolanders Ladies, Eldoret Falcons and Gideon Starlets before joining Vihiga Queens, where she enjoyed her breakthrough in 2022.
That year, she won the Women’s Premier League title and was crowned Best Female Player at the Kakamega Governor’s Cup, achievements that boosted her national visibility.
Her journey started in Buchangu, Navakholo, where she first stood out for her footwork along the flanks. She later joined youth teams across Kakamega and earned an academic scholarship to St Maurice Mwira Secondary School, helping the institution defeat Archbishop Njenga Girls in the 2016 county games.
Now at Ulinzi Starlets, she is refining her game with a clear long-term plan.
“I want to play professional football abroad. That is a big goal for me, and I’m not afraid of the hard work it requires. I want to test myself at the highest level possible.”
Her motivation extends to the next generation.
“I come from a small village, so I know what it means to start with very little. I want young girls in rural areas to see that their dreams are valid. If football can change my life, it can change theirs too.”
