Passaris hails Kenya’s Lavin Achola for Homeless World Cup global recognition
By Faith Lagat, August 31, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris has lauded Kenyan football star Lavin Achola following her stellar performance at the 2025 Homeless World Cup in Oslo, where she was crowned Women’s Player of the Tournament.
In a celebratory post on X dated August 31, Passaris described Achola’s achievement as a “powerful symbol of hope and empowerment” that not only earned global acclaim but also inspired many across the world.
“Lavin Achola of Kenya was named Women’s Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Homeless World Cup in Oslo, recognized for her exceptional skill, leadership, and resilience on the pitch.
“Her performance stood as a powerful symbol of hope and empowerment, earning her global acclaim and inspiring countless others. Congratulations to the Kenya team for making it to the quarter-finals. I am utterly proud of you! #HomelessCup,” Passaris wrote.
Kenya’s historic run
The tournament, staged between August 23 and 29, provided an international platform for Achola to showcase her talent in the unique 4-a-side format. Under her leadership, Kenya advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a notable milestone for the country in the competition.
Achola’s recognition reflects the growing impact of Kenyan football on the global stage, coming just weeks after Passaris also celebrated record-breaking achievements by athletes Agnes Ngetich and Emmanuel Wanyonyi, whose 10km road race and 1-mile times were ratified by World Athletics.
Africa’s double triumph
The 2025 edition of the Homeless World Cup was also historic for the continent, as Egypt and Uganda clinched the men’s and women’s titles for the first time. Uganda’s women sealed a dominant 5-0 win over Mexico, with Stella Namisango scoring a second-half hat-trick, while Egypt’s men edged Portugal 3-2, led by captain Mostafa Ismael’s brace.
“Thank God, thank God! Thank God for making my country proud, and thanks to the team for taking me here,” an emotional Ismael said after the win.
Football as empowerment
Since its inception in 2003, the Homeless World Cup has touched 1.2 million lives globally, using football as a springboard for change. Achola’s recognition, coupled with Kenya’s spirited run, highlights the transformative power of sport.
As the tournament heads to Mexico City in 2026, Achola’s rising profile is expected to inspire a new generation of Kenyan athletes to excel and harness football as a tool for empowerment and hope.