January – Building Strong Foundations The year opened with a successful Parents AGM that brought together parents, coaches, and stakeholders. Insightful presentations by Football KE founders, led by Victor Milimu, emphasized patience, long-term player development, and realistic expectations in youth football. February – Global Pathways Cheza hosted the Sweden Showcase Trials in collaboration with Avanti Sports Management Group, giving players exposure to international scouting and overseas development opportunities. March – Celebrating 12 Years of Impact Cheza Sports Academy marked its 12th Anniversary, celebrating a legacy of nurturing talent, promoting education, and transforming young lives through sport. April – European Success Story Keylah Odhiambo achieved international success by winning the Mare Nostrum Cup in Spain with Deliders CF U19, highlighting Cheza’s growing global footprint. May – Professional & Coaching Milestones Kevin Wanjau was included in the Kariobangi Sharks FC matchday squad in the Kenya Premier League, while Brian Aswani completed his UEFA C Coaching Licence in Wales. June – Championships & Community TournamentsCheza successfully hosted the 9th Inter-Private Primary Schools Tournament, and the Under 15 boys were crowned Mandela Cup 2025 Champions. July – Education Meets SportA Summer Work-Study Internship with Oshwal School students introduced youth to sports career pathways, while Brian Monda earned selection to the Nairobi All-Star Team. August – Holistic Player GrowthPlayers gained elite exposure and life skills as Amani Gachanja trained with KCB FC, Sharon featured at the East Africa Secondary School Games, and safeguarding and mental health sessions were delivered with MindSkilz. September – Consolidation Phase The month focused on assessments, consistent training, and strategic preparation for end-of-season competitions. October – Education Through FootballJerome Hera Wachara traveled to Spain on a football education scholarship with Socrates Educa, combining academics and elite training. November – Awards & ExcellenceThe Academies League season concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating standout players and teams. The Cheza She Unit U15s were crowned Moi Cup champions, with Kayla Suli named Player of the Tournament and Adianca Nayoma finishing as Top Scorer. December – Continental Impact
Prudence Akinyi: A Story of Courage, Healing, and Hope
From the narrow paths of Kibera Slums in Nairobi, Prudence Akinyi carries a story far bigger than her age. For Prudence, football is not just a game—it is therapy, a place of safety, and a reason to believe in tomorrow. Prudence recently returned to the pitch in November after months away, recovering from a broken arm that temporarily paused her football journey. But the injury is only one chapter in a life marked by profound challenges that no child should have to endure. At a young age, Prudence has had to: Despite all this, Prudence has never given up. Cheza Stepped In Through the Cheza She Unit, Cheza Sports Academy could not look away. We stepped in to protect, support, and restore hope. Today, Prudence is schooling at Malaa Girls High School, where she is currently in Form Three—a major milestone for a girl whose education was once at serious risk. In addition, Cheza has resumed supporting her football training and development, ensuring that the game she loves continues to be a source of healing, confidence, and purpose. The Road Ahead While progress has been made, Prudence still needs urgent and sustained support. We are actively seeking help to address: Prudence’s story reflects the reality of many girls growing up in vulnerable environments—and also the power of timely intervention, care, and community. How You Can Help By supporting Prudence, you are not just helping one girl—you are standing for protection, dignity, and opportunity for vulnerable girls everywhere. Together, we can ensure that football continues to be her therapy, education her pathway, and hope her constant companion.
Kickstarting Dreams on the Coast: Support Cheza’s Football Experience Tour
Every December, Cheza Sports Academy provides a life-changing opportunity for our young players—an immersive football development tour to Mombasa. More than just a series of matches, this tour exposes children to a new football culture, new environments, and new challenges that sharpen their technical, mental, and physical abilities. For many of our slum-based players from Kibera and Mukuru, this trip represents something far greater: a rare chance to travel, learn, and grow beyond the boundaries society often places on them. Why the Tour Matters The Coast is one of Kenya’s richest football nurseries—home to natural flair, street creativity, and generations of brilliant players. Training on sand improves balance and ball control; the humidity builds endurance; and the variety of opponents helps players adapt quickly, a key trait of professionals. This is not a leisure trip. It is an entire week designed for elite player development. And for us at Cheza Sports Academy, success stories prove the power of such exposure. The Balecho Story – From Coastal Grounds to National Recognition Coach Collins began his coaching journey in Mombasa, where he first mentored future stars like Eric Naaman Balecho, a key player in our Cheza Sports FC 2016 league-winning squad. Today, Balecho stands as a reminder that exposure, mentorship, and opportunity can completely change the direction of a young athlete’s life. Our goal is to give today’s children that same chance. 2025 Mombasa Football Development Tour Itinerary Dates: 8th–15th December 2025 DAY 1: Arrival & Settling In DAY 2: Technique & Beach Agility DAY 3: Coastal Football Culture DAY 4: High-Performance Day DAY 5: Fort Jesus Match Day DAY 6: Mental Toughness Training DAY 7: The Mombasa Showcase DAY 8: Return to Nairobi Why We Need Your Support Many talented players simply cannot afford to participate. We aim to sponsor at least 25 deserving children from low-income communities. Your support will help cover: The cost remains out of reach for many families—but your contribution can unlock a child’s dream. Be the Reason a Child’s Life Changes By supporting this tour, you are investing in more than football. You are investing in confidence, discipline, exposure, and hope. You are investing in the next Balecho, the next role model, the next leader.
Cheza She Unit U15 Crowned Moi Cup 2025 Champions
Raising the Bar for Girls’ Football in Kenya Cheza Sports Academy proudly celebrates a landmark achievement as our Cheza She Unit Under 15 team claimed the Moi Cup 2025 Championship. The girls displayed remarkable talent, confidence, and teamwork throughout the tournament, cementing their place as one of Kenya’s most promising young squads. The victory was fueled by outstanding performances from Prudence, the team’s steady and creative force; Nayoma Adianca, who emerged as the Top Scorer with 6 goals; and Kayla Suli, honored as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). These exceptional athletes not only carried the team but also represented the strength and potential of girls’ football at Cheza Sports. As the She Unit continues to rise, we are committed to ensuring that these talented young girls gain consistent match exposure, competitive experience, and the opportunity to develop into future stars. To achieve this, we are seeking support for their participation in upcoming girls’ leagues and tournaments. This includes contributions toward league fees, transport, training gear, nutrition, and coaching support. Your partnership will help us provide a level playing field for girls in football—ensuring that talent, not circumstance, defines their future. We congratulate our champions and thank all parents, supporters, and well-wishers for standing with our girls. Cheza She Unit: Strong Girls, Strong Futures.
Herbert Sanday Shines in NSL Debut with Darajani Gogo
Cheza Sports Academy is proud to celebrate one of our outstanding young talents, Herbert Sanday, who recently made his mark in the National Super League (NSL) after featuring for Darajani Gogo F.C. in their impressive 1–0 victory over Nairobi City Stars. Clocking a full 90 minutes on the pitch, Herbert showcased composure, energy, and tactical intelligence beyond his years; qualities that have long been nurtured through the Cheza Sports system. His smooth transition from youth competition to senior-level football is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and the academy’s commitment to developing all-rounded athletes ready for the next stage. Herbert’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2024 Sakaja Cup, he continues to justify his reputation as one of the country’s most promising prospects. His journey reflects the vision of Cheza Sports Academy; empowering young players to compete, excel, and lead on bigger stages. As Herbert takes this next step in his football journey, we celebrate his achievement and look forward to seeing him inspire the next generation of Cheza stars. His story reminds us that with the right training, guidance, and belief, the path from community pitches to professional football is truly possible.
A Year of Academic and Football Excellence
Season 3 of 2025 – A Year of Academic and Football Excellence As we close the third season of 2025, Cheza Sports Academy proudly celebrates remarkable achievements across our two core programs; Academics and Talent Development. These milestones reflect the heart of our mission: nurturing disciplined, skilled, and well-rounded young people who excel both in school and on the pitch. 1. Academic Achievements – Building Brains and Character Education remains a cornerstone of Cheza’s philosophy, and this year, our efforts have borne inspiring results. Four of our Kibera-based players — Esther Moth, Vyonne Mwikali, Brighton Okoth, and MaryAnn Atieno — successfully graduated from Grade 6 under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). From their early days in Grade 3, these young stars have balanced academics and sport with dedication and discipline. Their progress symbolizes Cheza’s commitment to holistic youth development. We also celebrate a major academic leap as Grace M. Nzilani, one of our pioneer girls from the She Unit Program, gained direct university admission and is now a First-Year student at Embu University. Grace’s journey embodies the power of mentorship and opportunity — she now serves as an inspiration and role model for the next generation of Cheza girls. Adding to this list of triumphs, Tyron Ndeti, our former Cheza F.C. captain, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Kenyatta University. His achievement underscores the academy’s belief that football and education can go hand in hand in shaping strong futures. 2. Football Success – From Dreams to the Premier League On the pitch, the Cheza spirit continues to shine brightly. Joseph Mumo, one of our standout players, has taken a giant leap in his football career, joining Murang’a Seal F.C. in the Kenya Premier League. His story is a powerful reminder that consistent effort and resilience yield rewards. “This is a miracle to me,” Mumo shared — and indeed, for us at Cheza, it’s a proud moment of collective victory. Looking Ahead These milestones affirm that Cheza Sports Academy is more than just a football institution — it’s a launchpad for futures filled with purpose. Each academic success and professional breakthrough fuels our determination to keep transforming young lives through sport, education, and mentorship. We thank our donors, partners, and friends for believing in our journey. Together, we are proving that when talent meets opportunity, greatness follows.
Cheza Sports Academy Set for Arusha Chipukizi Cup Tour 2025
Empowering Kenya’s Next Generation of Football Champions This December, Cheza Sports Academy will proudly represent Kenya at the Arusha Chipukizi Cup in Tanzania, one of East Africa’s most competitive youth football tournaments. The event will feature our Elite U17 team, a group of talented young footballers born in the year 2009 and 2008 who have risen through our academy ranks and now stand at the doorstep of elite international exposure. It should be remembered this were the 2019 Under 11 finalists and are one of our golden generations. The Chipukizi Cup brings together top academies from across the region, offering players a rare opportunity to compete at high intensity, gain scouting visibility, and experience the spirit of football beyond borders. For many of our U17 players, this will be an international tournament to use as a break through like their peer Jerome who went to Spain on a scholarship. It will be a transformative experience to build resilience, teamwork, and confidence. However, preparing an elite youth side for such a stage requires more than just passion. Our key areas of support include: We are deeply grateful to our donors, sponsors, and well-wishers whose consistent support fuels these dreams. Your contribution directly empowers our players to compete on international stages and build pathways toward scholarships, professional clubs, and national team selection. As we prepare for this exciting tour, we invite you to partner with us once again in shaping the next generation of football leaders. Every contribution, big or small; helps bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Together, we are not just building footballers; we are nurturing disciplined, confident, and globally minded young men and women who will carry Kenya’s football legacy forward.
From Cheza to the Premier League: Brian Aswani’s Inspiring Coaching Journey
BRIAN ASWANI FLEW TO NORTHERN IRELAND TO PARTAKE UEFA C COACHING LICENCE From Cheza to the Premier League: Brian Aswani’s Inspiring Coaching JourneyFrom the dusty pitches of Cheza Sports Academy to the bright lights of the Tanzanian Premier League, Brian Aswani’s story is one of resilience, growth, and seizing every opportunity. Brian first stepped into professional coaching outside Kenya as a Performance Analyst with Tabora United, before earning a spot with Singida Black Stars, where he continues to make his mark in the Tanzanian Premier League. Armed with a CAF B Coaching Licence, Brian didn’t stop there—he traveled all the way to Northern Ireland to pursue his UEFA C Licence, with support from the Cheza Sports Foundation, which helped cover part of the course costs. But Brian’s journey began much earlier within our own walls. A product of Cheza Sports Academy, he embraced our whole-life coaching program, transitioning smoothly from player to coach. He started out mentoring our Under-7s, later taking charge of the U23 team, and went on to contribute his skills at TTA and Jeffery’s Academy, not just on the field but also in administration. Today, Brian stands as a shining example of what it means to grow with Cheza—proof that the academy is not just about developing players, but also about building lifelong leaders in sport.
JEROME’S FOOTBALL PEDIGREE WOWS SPANISH TALENT SCOUTS
Jerome Hera Wachara’s Meteoric Rise in Kenyan Football Cheza Sports Academy | September 2025 Edition Meet Jerome Hera Wachara, the sensational young talent lighting up Kenya’s football scene. A product of Cheza Sports Academy, Jerome’s 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary; a year that may well define the beginning of a legendary football career. Jerome made headlines in December 2024 when he earned his first international call-up to the Kenya U17 National Team, debuting in a fiercely contested CECAFA tournament match against Uganda. Calm under pressure and fearless on the ball, he immediately impressed fans and coaches alike with his tactical maturity and attacking flair. But the CECAFA tournament was just the beginning. In early 2025, Jerome dominated the Southampton League; a prestigious tournament for international schools in Kenya, backed by Southampton FC (UK). His performances were electric, and he walked away with a stunning hat-trick of awards: 🏆 Top Scorer 🏆 Most Valuable Player (MVP) 🏆 Most Promising Player At the league’s annual gala in June, Jerome was the name on everyone’s lips. His dazzling runs, clinical finishing, and unshakable confidence made him an instant fan favorite. Back home with Cheza Sports FC, Jerome continues to impress in the FKF County League. Despite being only 17 years old, he has already tallied 3 goals and 3 assists in just 7 matches; proving he can hold his own against senior players. His playmaking and leadership on the pitch reflect not only raw talent but also the disciplined grooming of the Cheza Sports Academy’s elite development program. Crowning an already unforgettable season, Jerome received a full academic and sports scholarship to the prestigious Socrates Educa International School in Spain, where he will combine high-performance football with elite education. This opportunity positions him on a global stage, opening doors to European clubs and professional trials. As Cheza Sports Academy celebrates its 12th year of developing future stars, Jerome Hera Wachara stands as a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and the right mentorship. The future of Kenyan football wears jersey number 11; and his name is Jerome.
WANJAU IN FULL FLIGHT
WANJAU PRO SOCCER JOURNEY TAKES OFF Wanjau made it to the Kariobangi Sharks bench in the KPL match against KCB as the 3rd choice goalkeeper showing his progress having moved to the team for development.Wanjau completed form 4 at Machakos High school in 2024 and has been a cheza sports academy player since 2016 when in primary school.