Kenya and Al Ahli Bank forward Janet Moraa prepares to strike the ball during their Egyptian Women’s Premier League match against Maadi at the National Bank ground in Cairo on May 3, 2025.
In Cairo
From a dusty Kenyan village to the Egyptian Premier League, Janet Moraa’s football journey is a testament of perseverance, hard work and passion.
Once a barefooted girl chasing her dreams in rural Nyamira, Moraa is now a star striker for Al Ahli Bank.
The 29-year-old Harambee Stars international was the second highest goal scorer in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League that concluded on Tuesday.
The former multiple Kenya Women Premier League title winner with Vihiga Queens plundered an impressive 27 goals, one shy of the competition’s top scorer.
Al Ahly finished fifth with 44 points in the 17-team league table.
“My professional career is just starting, and Egypt is not my ultimate destination. Playing for the National Bank of Egypt provides an excellent opportunity to display my talent and develop my career,” says Moraa at Wadi Degla Sports Club in Cairo on Tuesday.
Born on March 15, 1996, in Nyabisawa village, Nyamira County, Moraa was raised by her mother, Mary Kemunto, and her late father, James Bundi Agwata.
Her passion for football shone through despite her humble upbringing and schooling at Nyainogu Deb Primary and Kenyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County.
Kenya and Al Ahli Bank forward Janet Moraa prepares celebrates during their Egyptian Women’s Premier League match against Maadi at the National Bank ground in Cairo on May 3, 2025.
Her talent saw her play for Kisii Youth, before moving to Eldoret Falcons then Vihiga Queens. Yanga Princess of Tanzania came calling before NBE lured her in October last year.
She won four Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) titles with Vihiga Queens and played a key role in the team’s qualification for their first-ever Confederation of African Women's Champions League in 2021.
She was first called up to Kenya Under-17 in 2012 before making her senior debut with Harambee Starlets in 2016
Moraa attributes her success on the field to discipline and determination.
She emphasises the importance of setting daily goals for improvement and seizing every learning opportunity.
Al Ahli coach Mohammed Kamal praised Moraa for her exceptional skill and resilience in challenging matches.
He said Moraa has had a positive impact on Al Ahli.
"I wish her well if she gets an opportunity anywhere. I am very confident Janet can now play anywhere in the world due to her ability to use both legs in striking,” said Kamal.
He expressed his desire to recruit more Kenyan female players.
Moraa said she has been impressed by the league’s high professionalism and competitiveness in her eight-month stint thus far . She said language was a challenge for her here where Arabic is widely spoken.
“Fortunately, our manager speaks some English, and I'm picking up basic Arabic," she said.
Ugali and bananas are readily available so no problem for her on stomach issues. She urged Kenyan players to always give their best, as they never know who is watching them.
Another Kenya international, Violet Nanjala, won Golden Boot in the Moroccan Women’s Championship Division One League over the weekend with 28 goals for Municipal de Laayoune.
