MANGO’S FRUITS OF ABUNDANCE IN ROMANIA-KENYAN LEFT BACK BOUNTIFUL SEASON WITH FARUL CONSTANTA.

Kenyan international Enez Mango is no stranger to success. The formidable defender has been instrumental in Farul’s back-to-back championship wins and consecutive qualifications for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. As she gears up for another European campaign and a crucial WAFCON qualifier with the Harambee Starlets, Mango offered insights into her journey in the Romanian top-flight, her ambitions, and the untapped potential of Kenyan football.

The former Vihiga Queens captain was over the moon after winning another league title with Farul Constanta. “It’s a very special feeling, especially after having the first experience in the Champions League, and now you want even more. So I’m really excited about playing on a bigger stage.”

Mango’s success at Farul has often seen her operating in tandem with fellow Kenyan Lilian Awuor, with whom she has a long-standing bond from their days at Vihiga Queens. “I played with Lilian since Vihiga Queens, and with her coming to Romania, everything flowed perfectly because both on and off the field we push each other to do better.”

Mango firmly believes in the quality within the country, especially in the women’s category. “In Kenya, we have lots and lots of quality. We just need to get involved more, especially in international matches. Plus, the CAF Women’s Champions League is another huge platform to export players,” she asserted.

Farul’s last Champions League outing saw them narrowly miss out on the main group stage after a hard-fought second-round clash. Despite the setback, Mango remains confident in her team’s ability to go further this time. “Yeah, we won the first round, and in the second round we played a tough team, Valerenga. We were leading 1-0, and they scored two goals in the last minutes. So I believe we can do better this time,” she recalled, adding, “Valerenga reached the quarters of the Champions League, so I believe we have what it takes since now we have that experience of the level there.”

Mango’s commitment to Farul is evident in her tenure, filled with success and wins galore. “I have had a great experience; that’s why I have played three years on the team,” she stated, speaking volumes about the positive environment at the club.

Looking ahead, Mango’s ambitions are clear: “To keep winning more and aiming higher.” Beyond her club aspirations, Mango, who has been called for the Harambee Starlets friendly match against Morocco on June 6th, shifts her focus to national duty. The Harambee Starlets face a vital WAFCON qualifier against Gambia, and Mango is fully committed to the task. “Of course, I am looking forward to qualifying this time around… and I’m sure we are capable of securing a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.”

Enez Mango, one of the most decorated Kenyan female football stars, remains the only Kenyan to have captained a team to the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers title, a feat she achieved in 2021 with Vihiga Queens.