Ulinzi Starlets’ Sheryl Angachi (left) in action during their FKF Women’s Premier League match against Kenya Police Bullets at Ruaraka grounds on on February 8, 2025.
While many footballers dream of playing professionally abroad, Ulinzi Starlets and Harambee Starlets midfielder Sherly Angachi Andibo chose a different path—joining the military to secure her future beyond football.
In 2021, the 24-year-old moved from Gaspo Women to Ulinzi Starlets after her former club was relegated from the Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League (FKF-WPL).
Though she initially considered playing in Greece, Ulinzi’s job offer convinced her to stay.
"We agreed that if they didn’t fulfill their job promises within a certain time frame, I would consider a club in Greece. I am glad they honoured their promise," she said.
Angachi underwent six months of military training at the Recruit Training School (RTS) in Eldoret and is now a Senior Private stationed at Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi. She is also pursuing a catering services course.
"I joined Ulinzi not just for the chance to play, but for the job they offered after high school," she explained.
Ulinzi Starlets Sheryl Angachi during their match against Kenya Police Bullets on February 8, 2025 at Ruaraka.
Since joining Ulinzi, she has won four major trophies, including the FKF Women’s Cup and FKF Super Cup in 2021 and 2023.
Originally a striker, she transitioned into midfield and has since attracted interest from Simba Queens in Tanzania and Kenya Police Bullets.
"I have no plans to leave Ulinzi anytime soon," she stated firmly.
Angachi was signed by the late coach Joseph Wambua, who played a key role in her development before passing away last September after battling colon cancer.
"His loss affected me mentally; it took time to accept his departure after he had been a mentor and father figure for over a decade. But we have moved on and are back to winning in the league," she said.
Now the team captain, Angachi has led Ulinzi Starlets to fourth place in the FKF-WPL standings with 23 points from 14 matches, trailing leaders Kenya Police Bullets by six points.
Her leadership qualities have earned praise from head coach Collins Oduor. "I made her captain when I joined the team. She can motivate the players and push them to be courageous," he said.
Ulinzi Starlets Sheryl Angachi (right) and teammate Mary Ozenge battle against Kenya Police Bullets' Diana Wacera during their FKF Women Premier league match at Ruaraka on February 8, 2025.
Angachi’s international career began in 2017 when she debuted with the Kenya U-20 team in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. She later played for the senior team in the 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
In 2023, during the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers against Botswana, she made headlines after appearing as a second-half substitute with a clean-shaven head. The drastic change puzzled spectators, but it was due to her military training at RTS.
Now, she is preparing for Kenya’s 2026 WAFCON qualifier against Tunisia.
"Making a second appearance in WAFCON will not be easy, but with proper preparations and guidance from our knowledgeable coaches, I believe we can qualify again," she said.
Inspired by former Starlets captain Doreen Nabwire, Angachi continues to lead on and off the pitch, proving that dedication and resilience can pave the way for success.
