Police Bullets striker Rebecca Okwaro dedicates Golden Boot to her dad

Her goals took her tally to 16, securing her the league's top scorer title and helping Bullets defend their championship for the second year in a row. 

Last season, she finished tied in second place with teammate Puren Alukwe, both scoring 15 goals, just one behind Tumaini Waliaula—formerly of four-time FKF-WPL champions Vihiga Queens and now with Sirens Grivna in Greece.

Among the thousands of fans at the stadium were her proud father, Julius Okwaro, and elder brother, Moses Okwaro, who beamed with pride as they watched her stellar performance.

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“Rebecca is my fourth-born daughter. I’m so happy she won the Golden Boot trophy with 16 goals. The joy of watching my fourth-born daughter score two wonderful goals and emerge as the top scorer in the FKF Women’s Premier League in the final match will remain etched in my memory forever,” said Mzee Okwaro.

He added: “It was a memorable moment for my family as her other siblings celebrated her two goals. We were extremely excited when we saw her score the two goals at Afraha Stadium which was recently opened for football activities.”

Plastic waste

Mzee Okwaro described his daughter as disciplined and determined, recalling how she began playing with plastic balls in the slums.

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“I remember vividly her late mother warning her to stop playing football made from plastic waste. I think she was a talented girl,” he said with a smile.

He shared that Rebecca lost her mother while still in class six, and he has since taken it upon himself to support her dreams.

“I encouraged her to balance academics and football. I’m a proud father today because she heeded my advice and she’s seeing the fruits of listening to my advice,” he said.

Mzee Okwaro now plans to hold a grand celebration in her honour.

“I pray to God to guide her as she prepares to lead her team to represent Kenya in the CAF Women’s Champions League Regional Qualifiers next August,” he said.

Rebecca’s elder brother, Moses, was equally emotional as he reflected on her journey.

“She suffered injuries which kept her out of action and thought her football career was over, but I thank God she recovered and gathered momentum to continue with her passion, and today we are celebrating her victory at Afraha Stadium as a family,” said Moses.

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“Last season she missed the Golden Boot award but today she has made our family proud. I thank my dad for supporting her and other talented siblings," he added.

Greatest supporter

Rebecca was thrilled to claim the Golden Boot at home.

“Winning the Golden Boot in the last match at home was a morale booster. I thank my home fans, particularly my family who cheered me, and this enabled me to score a double,” she said.

She dedicated the award to her father, calling him her greatest supporter.

“My father made sure I played football and supported my initiatives. I thank my dad from the bottom of my heart and I pray that God gives him more years so that he can witness his daughter win more trophies in Kenya, Africa and the world,” she said.

“My dad is the best in the world. He has been a loving dad who encouraged me even when I was down with injuries to my left hand. To my mom in heaven, I know she is proud of my victory,"

Rebecca also had a message for young girls growing up in similar conditions.

“The slum life should not determine your future. I urge girls to embrace women’s football and other sports and they will make it,” she said.

Rebecca began her schooling at Philadelphia Academy Charter School before securing a scholarship to Wiyeta Girls Secondary School. She also paid tribute to her coach Beldine Odemba.

“My coach, Belinda Odemba, is an amazing coach who worked tirelessly to ensure the team retained the title for the second year running.”