Kibera Girls Soccer captain Lilian Mmboga is hoping to break into the Starlets starting lineup after being considered for the African Women's Cup of Nations qualifier match against South Sudan later this month.
The dynamic midfielder was part of the final squad that was to play Tanzania in the qualifiers in June as well as in the friendly match against the Copper Queens of Zambia which was scuppered.
The 20-year-old, who was handed the armband last year relishes competition in the team but said she will fight hard in training in order to make her debut at senior level. The Charles Okere-coached side will take on Sudan in the first leg on October 20 and four days later in the reverse fixture.
Mmboga has represented Kenya at junior levels with distinction but wants to nail down a regular spot in the star-studded team after becoming a mainstay in the middle of the pack for the Ramadhan Vijago Kibera tutored side .
"It feels nice to be called up to the national team but it's a dream to don the national colours. I have distinguishably served my country at lower levels and I am ready to step up to the next level," she said.
"This is my second call up. I made the last 18 in the previous assignment but the unfortunate happened and didn't play. Now I have a genuine chance to showcase what I am capable of doing. I am in the shape of my life and I will lionhearted fight for my position," she said.
"Competition is fierce but I believe in my quality and I know what I bring to the team."
Mmboga, who was playing for Division One side Nyuki Starlets in 2019, made a giant leap to the top tier after penning a deal with the slum girls in 2020.
"Being captain is not easy but despite my age, I have a special relationship with the other players and the technical bench. My leadership qualities will continue improving with time," she said.
The attacking midfielder wants to be more productive in the final third in terms of assists and scoring goals after managing four assists in the league without scoring a goal last season.
