- The Kenya Police Bullets star reckons her capacity to interchange roles seamlessly on the pitch has accelerated her meteoric rise to stardom.
- Njeri seems to pay keen attention to men's football too having singled out Harambee Stars midfield maestro Duke Abuya as her role model.
Kenya Police Bullets' mercurial forward Mercy Njeri has been on a roll this season with her sights firmly trained on inspiring her club to a maiden Kenya Women's Premier League title.
Njeri, 21, has netted three goals and provided three assists to contribute to her club's sublime form on the cutthroat top-flight stage where they currently hold the top spot.
In an interview published on the club's website on Tuesday, Njeri said she is ready to join the ranks of Kenya's most celebrated female footballers.
She reckons her capacity to interchange roles seamlessly on the pitch has accelerated her meteoric rise to stardom.
"My strength is in scoring goals and setting up plays. That's what makes me stand out," Njeri remarked.
Njeri has attributed the law enforcers' scintillating run in the top-tier competition to concerted efforts, adding she is ready to inspire her teammates to greater heights.
"I'm ready to do everything I can to motivate my teammates, to ensure we approach all our matches confidently and work extremely hard to accomplish the targets our coaches have set for us," Njeri stated.
Njeri has exercised humility despite the unmatched adoration and admiration she attracts from the passionate and vibrant Kenya Police Bullets fans owing to her outstanding performance.
"I always feel honoured and humbled when I receive all the appreciation from the fans, but I wouldn't want to allow fame to get into my head and make me lose focus."
The bubbly forward who spots an infectious smile said she draws immense inspiration from retired Harambee Starlets skipper Doreen Nabwire.
"Doreen stole the limelight with her outstanding leadership qualities and exceptional skills on the field. Many players look up to her as their role model."
Njeri seems to pay keen attention to men's football too having singled out Harambee Stars midfield maestro Duke Abuya as her role model.
"I've gleaned some vital lessons just by observing him in action. He has exceptional communication and decision-making skills. Both Doreen and Duke have left a lasting mark in my career,"
A psychology student at Zetech University, Njeri has learned to successfully juggle her passion with her studies over the years.
"I have learned to manage my time well. But what fires me up even more is my passion for both psychology and football."
Njeri said she intends to use the knowledge she has acquired to alleviate the grave effects of mental health among fellow footballers.
"My desire as a psychology student is to use football as a means for promoting mental well-being. There is a growing need for sustained and candid talk about mental health to support individuals found to be struggling with such illnesses.
"It's important to raise awareness and put adequate measures in place to reduce the stigma surrounding the illness," she added. Njeri is convinced she and her teammates possess the mojo to tuck away a maiden topflight title in their debut season.
"Our target is to clinch the league title. We're toiling in training to achieve our goal."