Judith ‘Crouch’ Atieno is a proficient Kenyan footballer who made historical past because the first-ever Kenyan lady footballer to play skilled soccer in Rwanda.
On the age of twenty-two, Judith presently serves as a striker for Rayon Sports activities Girls FC of Rwanda, the place she has showcased distinctive abilities and made a big affect on the staff’s efficiency all through the final season.
She boasts of a formidable file as a high scorer within the 2022/23 Rwanda Girls Division One League, the place she scored 43 targets in simply 21 matches. She additionally had 21 assists in the identical season, which additional solidified her place as a key driver of the staff’s success.
Take us by your soccer journey…
All of it started in Kasabuni, Ruaraka space in Nairobi, the place I used to be born and raised. I grew up in a sporting household, with my father being a footballer and my mom enjoying netball.
My love for soccer began on the age of 12, and my first competitors was in opposition to Kayole Starlets, the place I scored a brace for Mathare Girls FC. Since then, I’ve by no means appeared again.
I’m a product of Mathare Youth Sports activities Affiliation (MYSA), which is without doubt one of the finest soccer academies in Kenya.
I beforehand featured for Ruaraka Women and Aunty Babes Academy in Nairobi. In 2018, I received the Soccer Kenya Federation Division One League title with Mathare United Girls and I used to be the league’s high scorer with 37 targets in 30 matches.
The next 12 months, I grew to become the membership’s high scorer with 28 targets in 30 matches, however sadly, Mathare was relegated to the decrease tier in 2021. In 2022, I joined Rayon Sports activities on a one-year contract from Mathare Girls FC, and my star has been rising ever since.
How does it really feel wish to play away from house?
It has not been straightforward, however since arriving right here in August final 12 months, I’ve discovered a second house in Rwanda.
The individuals right here have been welcoming and I really feel at house. Nonetheless, I typically miss house as a result of that’s the place the guts is.
After the expiration of my contract, I made a decision to increase my keep at Rayon for a further 12 months. I made this selection after cautious consideration of the alternatives and experiences that Rayon has to supply.
As I proceed my journey with the membership, my major goal stays unchanged – to contribute to the staff’s success by scoring extra targets. I’m excited concerning the alternatives that lie forward and stay up for making a constructive affect on the sphere.
I might have scored extra targets for the membership final season, however I joined the membership within the second leg following a delay in processing my work allow, which was a little bit late. I’m nonetheless proud of what I used to be capable of do throughout the remainder of the season.
Have you ever ever dreamed of enjoying for the nationwide staff?
That has been my dream since I used to be 12, and I nonetheless consider that I’ll in the future characterize my nation.
I used to be a part of the Starlets provisional squad that was known as to camp on Might 14, 2019, in preparation for Cecafa U20 Girls Championships that was held in Nairobi that 12 months.
Sadly, I didn’t make it to the ultimate squad. Regardless of this setback, I stay optimistic that with dedication and perseverance, my day will come.
Who or what evokes you?
My child evokes me. As a younger mom, I firmly consider that I can fulfill my obligations as a father or mother whereas additionally excelling in my private pursuits, notably on the sports activities discipline.
Whereas some might argue that being a mom inherently limits one’s means to concentrate on different elements of life, I’m decided to show that it’s potential to stability motherhood and sports activities achievements.
Changing into a mom at a younger age is definitely not straightforward. The calls for of elevating a baby are immense, because the younger ones require fixed consideration, care and love. Nonetheless, being a accountable mom doesn’t should imply sacrificing one’s personal goals and aspirations.
I hope to encourage different younger ladies who aspire to be footballers, by displaying them that they’ve nice potential regardless of having kids, and that they will harness that potential and excel as footballers.
Who’s your soccer Idol?
I’ve at all times admired the expertise and talent of Francesca “Fran” Kirby, who’s a distinguished attacker for each Chelsea Girls Soccer Membership and the England nationwide staff.
Since her arrival at Chelsea in 2015 from Studying FC, she has showcased distinctive talents. Final season she scored a formidable 60 targets in 93 appearances for the membership.
Her dedication and success evokes me to work laborious and obtain my very own targets on the earth of soccer.
