- Euphrasier Shilwatso made her debut last weekend, on October 4, in the FKF Women’s Premier League season opener against Police Bullets at Utalii Grounds in Nairobi.
- She came off the bench to score a stunning free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box.
- Shilwatso was signed during the recently concluded off-season transfer window from FKF Women’s National Super League side Bandari Queens.
Euphrasier Shilwatso’s debut in the FKF Women’s Premier League for Kayole Starlets will be forever etched in memory, thanks to a moment of breathtaking brilliance that has inspired the young midfielder to dream big.
On Saturday, 4th October, Shilwatso was introduced in the 19th minute, replacing Drailer Salome in the season opener against Police Bullets at Utalii Grounds in Nairobi.
Deep into second-half stoppage time of her first ever appearance match, she was awarded a free kick just outside the 18yard box. She stepped up with calm assurance and delivered an absolute stunner.
The shot was struck with perfect power slamming into the underside of the crossbar and ricocheting down into the net, a goal that announced her arrival at the biggest stage in Women’s football in the country.
Euphrasier Shilwatso’s free-kick becomes a stunning statement
Speaking to SportPesa Blog, Shilwatso revealed the confidence behind the execution.
“I had prepared for this,” she stated. “We had practiced in training with the coach, and I knew if an opportunity arose, I would step up to take the direct free-kick.”
Shilwatso who joined Kayole Starlets in the off season transfer window from FKF Women’s National Super League side Bandari Queens says it was a calculated move to seek greater exposure.
“All I can say is I’ve been exposed to the Premier League,” she noted. “You never know who is watching when you give your best and commit yourself.”
Despite the team’s loss, Shilwatso remains optimistic and focused on the future.
“It was a good game despite the loss, I believe we are learning, and as the season progresses, we will be somewhere. First time for me in the Premier League, I’m thankful for the day,” she reflected.
Euphrasier Shilwatso clear ambitions for the 2025/26 season focus on midfield leadership
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, her ambitions are clear: “I want to help my team to be at the top level. For us in the midfield, we are going to rectify a few things here and there because we are the team’s engine.”
The midfielder has credited a strong support system for her journey “My parents have pushed me a lot, then my mum has always wished the best for me.”
AES22 as she’s famously known to her friends also explained her dedication to her iconic jersey number
“I had a great season at Bandari wearing jersey 22 which made my platform to grow a lot, so I decided henceforth that this will be my kit number.”
Shilwatso, who hails from Kakamega County, also addressed murmurs regarding family ties with Harambee Starlets attacker Cynthia Shilwatso.
Many have termed the two ballers as sisters
“”I’m not related to Cynthia, but we come from the same tribe, same place in Western.”
Crucially, the foundation for her career was laid during her time at football powerhouse Archbishop Njenga Girls High School. “I joined Njenga in 2019 and was in the squad that went to Arusha for the FEASSA School games,” she recalled.
“In 2020 COVID-19 came so the games were not held, in 2021 we returned to the games but unfortunately eliminated at the counties, same thing with in 2022.”
Shilwatso now hopes to be a pivotal part as Kayole Starlet’s season progresses with the match against Gideon Starlets the first point of focus.