In a country where Women football is fast gathering pace, talents are being born on a daily basis, reaching the summit is the hard task but then with optimism, this is a reality.
For the Thika Queens star, the journey to the top has had hills and valleys but still she is determined to stay at the top and of course become a household name in the country.
She recalls her first time to don national team colours, the moment she says she will not forget. It was a match against Ghana in the World Cup U20 qualifiers. She scored in the game but that was not enough for the girls to proceed for they had lost 5-0 in Accra.
Her star has continued to shine as she has earned several call ups to the senior team.
“It was amazing. This was in 2017. I got the opportunity to train & play with players who’ve been in the game for a while. That for me was a learning experience.”
“Also, getting the honours of wearing the national team jersey and representing my country is a non forgettable experience.”
Her full debut came in 2019 when Harambee Starlets featured in the Turkish Cup, Muema says the experience earned in the tournament has helped her even cement her place at WPL side Thika Queens.
“It was really good. That’s the kind of exposure we need. To play a quality team like Chile is, really helps players test and showcase their ability,” she says.
Just under five years ago, she was a student in high school juggling between classwork and sports. She decided to try out on football which she hopes will pay one day.
“My interest in football developed when I was young. I realised that I was talented in the game and decided to have a go at it.”
“I joined the league immediately from Nginda High School in 2016 where I captained my school team. The league was new at the time. My priority then was to settle in as quickly as possible,” she quips.
Over the years, lack of funds has affected the Women’s game in the country and Muema is no exception. Like many others, she has had to endure tough times at her current employers, however passion drives her on.
“The biggest one is obviously finances. Most of us (female footballers) do not have a salary. We commit because we love the game and hope that one day things will change,” Muema reflects.
“The other is to do with exposure to the women’s league. This makes it so difficult for girls to get their breakthrough.”
Participating in the African Women Cup of Nations tournament in 2016 inspired many and showed progress in the local game. The creative midfielder believes that the country is coming off age and soon Starlets will be dominating the continent and beyond.
“Currently, the game is on an upward trajectory. That said, more effort is still needed from fans and stakeholders to continuously develop it.”
USA star footballer Megan Rapinore has inspired many women footballers and her personality defies many odds. Such are the things that inspire Muema but then she is appealing to stakeholders to help lift the game and pump the much needed investment in it.
“USA international Megan Rapinoe. Because of her personality particularly within the game.”
“They(stakeholders) need to support in every way they can. The league needs a sponsor. Clubs also need sponsors. With this, at least we (players) would have something to take home and really stop worrying about our bills.”
She looks to the sky and smiles, definitely hoping that her story will inspire someone and hope will be coming her way.