Harambee Stars’ and Ulinzi Starlets’ defender Lorine Ilavonga during a training session with the national team/HARAMBEE STARLETS

Harambee Stars’ and Ulinzi Starlets’ defender Lorine Ilavonga has credited early exposure, steady development and a series of defining opportunities in shaping her football career.

Ilavonga’s football journey began in Class Four, far from any established family football background.

The spark, she says, came through watching her cousin, Harambee Starlets’ striker Jentrix Shikangwa, train at Corinthians Academy in Western Kenya under coach Chris Ambani.

“I used to wonder why Jentrix’s family had so many footballers while mine had none,” she said.

That curiosity quickly turned into participation after encouragement from Shikangwa, who invited her onto the pitch. Shikangwa used to train as the only girl in a team of boys while Illavonga would watch from a distance which later turned into admiration.

“If you want to train with us, the coach is good, start slowly with your agemates, and your time will come,” she told her.

From those early sessions, Ilavonga began building her foundation, often training alongside boys who challenged her physically and mentally. She credits that environment for shaping her competitiveness and resilience as a defender.

Her progress became more visible during her time at Wiyeta Girls’ in Trans Nzoia County, where she joined on a football scholarship after primary school.

She broke through in school competitions, earning recognition at national level and gradually rising through the ranks after football activities resumed following the COVID-19 disruption.

A key step in her development came through the Safaricom Chapa Dimba platform, which provided her with wider exposure beyond school football.

Ilavonga says the competition helped bridge the gap between school-level and elite scouting opportunities.

“Chapa Dimba gave me exposure and without it maybe we wouldn’t have had the chance to play at that level,” she noted.

Her performances in school and youth competitions eventually earned her a call-up to national team selectors, including Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche, who spotted her during a key tournament.

From there, her rise accelerated. Ilavonga featured in Kenya’s squad at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking her entry into international football. She has since progressed through the U-20 and U-23 levels before graduating to the senior national team, where she now plays alongside Shikangwa.

She says the experience at youth international level has been transformative.

“I feel proud of myself because being part of the U-17 team was a rare opportunity that many players don’t get,” she said.

Now playing as a centre-back for Women’s Premier League side Ulinzi Starlets , Ilavonga focuses on organisation and communication, especially under pressure.

“I usually tell the goalkeeper to take it easy and encourage my teammates to stay calm and take deep breaths,” she said.

She continues to draw inspiration from global stars like Lauren James, while also acknowledging Shikangwa’s role in her journey.

“She always told me to trust God, respect the game and football will take me far,” Ilavonga said.

With ambitions of playing professional football abroad, her story reflects a steady climb built on mentorship, discipline, and making the most of every opportunity.