In the quiet village of Mutanda in Kitui County, a young girl once stood out—not for her size, but for her skill and tenacity on the football pitch. That girl is now a champion in Rwanda and a beacon of resilience and hope for many aspiring footballers. Meet Rachael Muema, the versatile left-footed dynamo whose football journey has been anything but ordinary.
Born on 6th October 1999, Rachael’s love affair with football began at just seven years old. She would often join boys in her village in spirited matches, quickly making a name for herself as a fearless and skilled player. Her talent blossomed early, and she was the only girl from her primary school selected to play at the national ball games. At Nginda Girls High School, she not only captained the football team but also excelled in handball—though football would eventually win her heart completely.
Her former high school coach, Harrison Clinton, fondly remembers her leadership and discipline. “I was impressed with her discipline and leadership skills,” he noted, highlighting qualities that would define her career.
In 2016, fresh out of high school, Rachael joined FKF Women’s Premier League side Thika Queens, where she immediately thrived as a winger. Her breakout season came in 2020/21 when she helped Thika Queens lift the league title unbeaten. She contributed 7 goals and 10 assists in 14 games, underlining her attacking prowess and team spirit.
Her rise caught the eye of national team selectors. In August 2017, less than a year after joining Thika Queens, she earned her first call-up to the Kenya U-20 national team for a friendly against Jordan. She later scored in a tough qualifier against Ghana, a moment she still cherishes.
Rachael made her senior team debut in 2020 during the Turkish Women’s Cup, helping Harambee Starlets clinch a bronze medal. She featured again in 2021 and earned a starting spot in Kenya’s emphatic 7-1 win over South Sudan during the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers—this time playing as a left-back.
“It was amazing,” she recalled of her national team debut. “I got the opportunity to train and play with players who’ve been in the game for a while. Getting the honour of wearing the national team jersey and representing my country is a non-forgettable experience.”
But just as her star was rising, an injury sidelined her for over two years, casting a shadow over her career. Many feared the worst, but Rachael wasn’t ready to quit. In 2023, Burundi’s champions Buja Queens offered her a lifeline. In just one month, she helped them finish third in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers, signaling her comeback.
She returned home to join Equity Queens, a newly formed club backed by Equity Bank. Unfortunately, the club folded shortly after, but fate had more in store. In August 2024, Rachael signed with Rwandese giants Rayon Sports.
Her impact was immediate. She featured in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers in Ethiopia before kicking off the 2024/25 league campaign with Rayon. It turned out to be a historic season: she helped the club win the Rwandan Women’s Premier League, the Peace Cup in 2024, and the FERWAFA Heroes Cup in February 2025.
On May 18, 2025, she shared her joy with fans online:
“Champions of Rwanda! 🏆 🇷🇼💙
What a season it has been — hard work, teamwork, and God’s grace got us here. Proud to be part of this team.”
If she stays at Rayon, Rachael will become one of the few players to participate in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers three times—a testament to her consistency and quality.
Rachael Muema’s journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit. After conquering injury and adversity, she is now not just back on the pitch—but back to winning.
