Rinah Ariho, a 16-year-old striker, has taken Ugandan football by storm with her impressive skills and humble demeanour.
Off the pitch, she is soft-spoken and kind, but on the field, she transforms into a fierce goal-scorer. Ariho’s journey to stardom began in Mwanjari, Kabale, where she grew up playing football with her brother, Grant Agaba. Her brother’s passion inspired her to pursue her own football dreams. Ariho was spotted by Obumwe Football Academy while playing for her primary school team in Kabale.
Under the academy’s guidance, Ariho settled into the number 9 position, excelling in training sessions and competitions. Her talent caught the attention of Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational School in Isingiro, which offered her a sports scholarship in Senior one upon completion of her studies at Kabale Primary School.
Ariho credits her mother, Mercy Turanzyomwe, for encouraging her to pursue football despite societal challenges.
‘My mother has been my rock, supporting me every step of the way. I feel I should give back to my parents, especially my mother, who unlike other parents to their daughters, did not discourage me in any way. She has been encouraging me to work hard both in class and in football so I want to keep focused so that I can achieve something for her’ Ariho says.
Today, Ariho is a key player for the Teen Cranes, Uganda’s national U17 team. Her impressive performance in the USSSA U16 girls’ tournament earned her a call-up to the national team.
She trained with the Crested Cranes team in Kampala but was not considered for the trip to Algeria when the final squad was announced. However, she gained valuable experience.
On her first call up to the national team, Ariho felt challenged because she was imagining how she was going to rub shoulders with her seniors, some of whom are her role models and have been her inspiration.
But because she knew she had proved herself on the field of play, she slowly but steadily gained the confidence in training with the professional and senior players.
‘At first, I was naive and that inferiority complex had taken its toll on me but after a day of interaction, I found the players very supportive, friendly and social. I am grateful for their reception. I am happy for the experience picked during training under coach Botes. It was all about excitement for me’ noted the striker.
Ariho was later summoned to the National team of players Under 17 and managed to contribute three goals to the Teen Cranes’ 18-1 aggregate victory over two legs against Namibia in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup qualifiers.
‘It was more exciting and encouraging, scoring my first goal in national team colours and recording a hattrick against Namibia. I dedicated the goals to both my brother (Agaba) and mother (Mercy Turanzyomwe) who have been so encouraging and supportive to me’ said Ariho.
Ariho’s success is not just a testament to her hard work and natural talent, but also to the support of her family, particularly her mother.
Despite facing challenges and discouragement from some sections of society, Ariho’s mother encouraged her to pursue her passion for football.
Ariho, a second born in a family of four kids, would have become a different athlete of any sport and not a footballer, had her brother Grant Agaba chosen differently too.
‘I grew up seeing my brother play and sometimes, we would play together in the compound. We later started going for football competitions where my brother was a star for the team as I watched on as a fan. This attracted me to football. I have since not played any other sport but football’ Ariho recalls.
Agaba, who is the elder brother of his three siblings and now plays for Kigezi Homeboyz FC junior team, and together with Ariho’s increasing capabilities, has led to the recruitment of the other two little brothers Billgates Ayebazibwe (8) and Bob Nkera (4) to the same club for the underage teams.
As Ariho prepares for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, she remains focused on her goals, both on and off the pitch.
Ariho is one of the five U17 ‘Teen Cranes ‘players in the Crested Cranes squad of 39 players summoned this week. The other four Teen Cranes players in the squad are Martha Babirye, Nusurah Nakintu, Doreen Aujat and Agnes Nabukenya.
Ariho is determined to excel academically, sitting for her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams this year at Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School in Isingiro, while continuing to make a name for herself in the world’s most popular sport.
With her dedication, talent, and humble spirit, Rinah Ariho is an inspiration to young footballers everywhere, and her future in the sport looks bright.
Fact file
Name: Ariho Rinah
Date of Birth-1st September 2009
Place of birth-Mwanjari, Kabale district
Parents-Turanzyomwe Mercy and Tumwijukye Godfrey
School: Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational School, Isingiro
