Trailblazer Fathime is on a new mission

In the Coast region of Kenya, where traditional roles for women are still deeply rooted, Fathime Tibu – head coach of Moving the Goalposts United – has emerged as a soccer trailblazer.

 

She is the only female coach in the region holding a CAF B license.

 

Born and raised in Kilifi, Fathime grew up in a conservative Muslim family, where girls were often expected to adhere to societal norms – ones that didn’t include sports. 

 

As a young girl, Fathime was mesmerised when she saw her peers playing soccer in the dusty streets, dreaming that, one day, she, too, could kick the ball. 

 

But, when she told her sister that she wanted to play football, her reaction was not one of encouragement. 

"Football is not for girls, you are going against our religion,” she said. 

 

It was not easy for her family to accept that she wanted to pursue a path that was not traditionally meant for women, especially in their community.

 

Determined, Fathime knew her heart belonged on the pitch. At the age of 12, she took her first bold step towards that dream by joining Moving the Goalposts (MTG). 

 

It was here that Fathime found her safe space, where she could nurture her talent and push back against the constraints of her upbringing. 

 

At MTG, Fathime not only played football, but also gained life skills, confidence, and a strong sense of identity. It was during this time that she realised the potential she had, not just as a player but as a leader. 

 

As she grew older, her passion for the game deepened, evolving into a desire to coach and guide other young girls through the sport that had shaped her. 

 

Becoming a coach was no easy feat, especially for a young Muslim woman in a male-dominated sport. 

 

She took up coaching at MTG when she was 15, and started with the U13s age group, where she inspired girls much like herself. 

 

And, when the opportunities came to advance and hone her coaching skills, she took them. 

 

In 2023, Fathime took a course and successfully graduated as the only female coach in Kenya’s Coast region with a CAF B license. 

 

“It was a great opportunity to learn from experienced coaches,” Fathime reflected. 

 

“I am glad to have acquired this license, which is a huge milestone in my coaching journey. I am now the only female coach from the Coast region, holding the CAF B license.

 

"It means that the journey continues, and I will strive to encourage more women to take up coaching courses."

 

Fathime dared to dream and didn’t accept any barriers preventing her becoming what she wanted to be. 

 

“MTG gave me the confidence to believe in myself,” she says. 

 

“I am committed to helping more girls discover their potential, both on and off the field.

 

"My mission is to continue empowering young women to break barriers and take up leadership roles in sports.”