Building Women’s Football Through Player of the match Awards

By Faith Moraa

In the heart of Kenya lies Nairobi, the only city in Africa where skyscrapers share space with a national park. But beyond its wild beauty and bustling streets, something equally powerful is unfolding: the transformation of Kenya’s women’s football landscape.

At the center of this movement stands one of the league’s most passionate and organized communities: the Kenya Police Bullets Fan Base, whose dedication to their team goes far beyond cheering from the stands.

When you attend a Kenya Women’s Premier League match, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant energy of the Kenya Police Bullets Fan Base.

Dressed in bright red and blue jerseys, they light up the stands with their songs, chants, and dances. Some cheer at the top of their voices, others wave flags or clap in rhythm together creating an electric atmosphere that fuels the players’ energy on the pitch.

A Culture of Appreciation

Beyond the celebration lies something even more powerful: a culture of appreciation.

The Kenya Police Bullets Fan Base (KPBFB) has taken fan support to a new level through their Player of the Match Awards, a fan-led initiative that recognizes standout performances after every game.

Launched at the start of the 2023/2024 KWPL season, the idea was born out of the team’s slogan, “Policing Through Sports.” It reflects unity, pride, and purpose values that bring together both police officers and civilians under one badge and one goal: the success of Kenya Police Bullets.

To understand how this movement began and what keeps it going, our writer, Faith Moraa, spoke to Afande Cele, a dedicated member of the fan base.

What inspired the idea of awarding players after every match?

“Our slogan ‘Policing Through Sports’ inspired us,” Afande Cele shares. “Our team includes both police officers and civilians, and we wanted every player to feel valued and part of one family.”

The initiative kicked off on Matchday 1 of the 2023/2024 season as a way to celebrate effort, discipline, and performance: making players feel that their hard work on and off the pitch is seen and appreciated.

Who initiated the concept and how did it start?

“It wasn’t one person: it was all of us,” Afande says with pride.

The idea came collectively from the fans, who decided to do something special for their players. Since then, unity and shared passion have kept the initiative alive and thriving.

How do you decide which player receives the award?

Every fan watching at the stadium gets a voice.

Each matchday, fans share their opinions on who deserves the Woman of the Match (WOTM) award and why. They then discuss, compare, and vote until one deserving player is chosen.

“It’s democratic. Everyone’s voice counts,” Afande emphasizes.

What impact have the awards had on players and the team spirit?

The results speak for themselves. Since the initiative began, player motivation has soared, and so have the team’s results.

Kenya Police Bullets have clinched back-to-back KWPL titles (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) — a clear reflection of a team inspired and united.

Many players have also earned Harambee Starlets call-ups, fueling pride within the fan community. Club management continues to play its role too from timely salaries to bonuses and performance rewards: fostering a winning culture on all fronts.

How do you sustain this initiative throughout the season?

The secret lies in teamwork.

“We contribute weekly before matchdays,” Afande explains. “Everyone gives what they can, and it adds up.”

It’s a simple but powerful model: fan-driven, transparent, and sustainable.

What message would you share with other women’s teams across Africa?

“Support your ladies: mentally, psychologically, financially, and physically,” says Afande.

Show up. Cheer. Recognize talent. When fans and communities stand behind women athletes, we don’t just grow football: we build confidence, equality, and leadership.

The Season So Far

The initiative continues to shine this season, with new names already stepping up.

Margaret Kunihira and Medina Abubakar have set the tone early, claiming Player of the Match honors in Game weeks 1 and 2, respectively proof that the spirit of excellence runs deep within the champions.

This weekend, Kenya Police Bullets, the defending champions, will host league debutants Gideon Starlets from HomaBay in Game week 3  another thrilling chapter in their quest to maintain dominance in the Kenya Women’s Premier League.

Parting Shot ?

“Let’s all support the ladies with talent from all levels and see them grow: mentally, psychologically, financially, and physically by turning up in stadiums.”  Afande Cele

Faith Moraa is a Kenyan sports journalist and content creator spotlighting women’s sports and powerful stories across Africa.

2 thoughts on “Building Women’s Football Through Player of the match Awards”

  1. Well team keep policing through sports 👏..
    May this inspire the rest of Africa and the womens leagues allover Africa, it is the equality, confidence and leadership that matter .

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