Women’s football is experiencing unprecedented growth, but as the game evolves, so do the opportunities to leverage innovation for its development.

Enter Gloria Mariwa, a newcomer in the field of sports technology and a passionate advocate for advancing the women’s game. In our latest conversation, Gloria shares her insights on how cutting-edge technology—from data analytics to virtual reality—can revolutionize the sport, enhancing everything from player performance to fan engagement.

As a lifelong Arsenal supporter and an industry leader, Gloria embodies the intersection of tradition and innovation. Dubbed “14thgunner,” she draws inspiration from her favorite club’s history while envisioning a future where tech tools empower female athletes, coaches, and clubs to reach their full potential. Her perspective sheds light on how the adoption of technology isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for leveling the playing field and ensuring women’s football continues its upward trajectory.

Bonito: Gloria welcome to the Bonito Platform- its so great to have you here and to learn about your work.

Gloria: Thanks Bonito for inviting me!

Bonito: How did your love for football first take root, and what inspired you to see the game as a force for social good?

Gloria: My love for football has always been rooted in playing the game. Growing up, FIFA video games and watching live matches didn’t capture my attention—I wanted to humble players on the pitch, not on a screen (though I did dominate on FIFA Street, hahaha).

Oddly, my football passion wasn’t passed down by family. My dad and brother? Indifferent. My mom and sister? Not interested either. But I dragged my whole family into it anyway—though my dad and brother remain stubbornly uninvolved. It was my cousins on my mom’s side who really built up my love for the game. Our holidays weren’t complete without football sessions, whether in neighborhood parking lots in Nairobi or our family compound in Mombasa.

I’ve been playing football for over a decade, but only recently recognized its power to create meaningful social change. My introduction to “sport for good” came through Ready Sport Global’s Innovation Series by Lucy Mills earlier this year. It opened my eyes to an entirely new dimension of football—one that drives global impact.

Bonito: Football resonates deeply across cultures and continents. In your view, what makes the sport such a universal and emotional connection point for people around the world?

Gloria: Football’s simplicity is what makes it truly universal. Forget the intricate tactics—at its core, all you need is a ball, some makeshift equipment, and the basic rule that hands are off-limits. The objective? Get the ball into the back of the net—simple, yet endlessly engaging.

Even if you don’t speak the language of the teams, football transcends words. It’s a story that unfolds in real time, told through the players’ emotions—celebrating, conceding, or pushing through challenges. From moments of sportsmanship to the heartbreak or elation of the final whistle, football is a shared journey that anyone, anywhere, can connect to.

Bonito: What’s your perspective on the current landscape of women’s football in Kenya? What progress has been made, and what challenges remain?

Gloria: Women’s football in Kenya struggles due to a lack of structure and attention. Basic systems like ticketing are absent in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League (KWPL), where most games are free. While free entry helps build an audience, it limits clubs’ financial independence and sponsorship opportunities.

Corruption in the men’s game overshadows the women’s, but issues like low or unpaid salaries still persist. In some cases, players face “pay-to-play” scenarios, and sadly, non-monetary payments often involve exploitation.

Despite the challenges, Kenyan women’s football has immense potential. The Junior Starlets (U17 team) made history by qualifying for Kenya’s first World Cup—a stark contrast to the neglect they’ve faced. The global growth of women’s sports is undeniable, and Kenya must catch up. With proper investment, we can tap into a ready audience eager to support women’s football.

Bonito: Your work interest is in the intersection of football and technology. Could you share some of the exciting projects you’re working on and how they’re shaping the game?

Gloria: Sport-tech is new to me—a passion I discovered during my gap year in 2024. I’ve always dreamed of merging football and technology but never realized it was possible until recently.

One area I’m exploring is fan engagement, inspired by the fact that 99% of fans never get to see their favorite teams play live. Fans drive the game but are often overlooked, especially in Kenya, where their voices are ignored. I’m working on empowering fans through Web 3, Artificial Intelligence, and spatial/haptic technology. These innovations are the future of football, and the future is now.

Bonito: Really interesting and we see this is inspired by your love of the Gunners! How do you envision technology transforming fan engagement in the coming years? Specifically, how can it help grow the women’s game and foster a more inclusive environment in football?

Gloria: Cross-sport and cross-nation collaborations are essential for the growth of women’s sports. We already have an audience, but technology can amplify our reach.The women’s game suffers from poor media coverage, leading to funding and sponsorship gaps. Technologies like live-streaming without regional restrictions or enhancing fan experiences with VR/AR could close that gap. Investing in each other and in ourselves will ensure we don’t just take a slice of the pie—we bake a new one.

Bonito: We love Storytelling at Bonito and storytelling is a powerful tool. How do you think it can be harnessed to elevate the women’s game globally, particularly in Africa?

Gloria:Storytelling is our strength in Africa. Unlike other regions where players worry about getting into top clubs, many African players struggle to even find fair opportunities due to systemic barriers and traditional beliefs.

These challenges produce incredible, diverse stories of resilience and triumph. Sharing these stories can inspire and motivate a global audience while spotlighting the unique beauty of African football.

Bonito: What practical advice would you offer to grassroots football organizations seeking to use technology to advocate for inclusivity and build stronger football communities?

Gloria: Start simple and grow. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Web 3 aren’t feasible for everyone, but a well-maintained social media presence can go a long way.

My platform, 14thgunner, began as a fan page for Arsenal Women. Over time, it’s opened doors—covering travel costs for sports events and connecting me with opportunities. If managing social media feels overwhelming, empower a younger person with potential to run the account. It’s the small, consistent steps that lead to impactful change.

Bonito: Thanks so much Gloria for joining us and we will stay tuned for more from 14thgunner!

Gloria: Thanks for sharing my work on the platform!

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BIO

Name: Gloria Mariwa

Organization (s): 14thgunner, Wecheza & Girl Up

Role: Founder (14thgunner & Wecheza), Content Creator (14thgunner), Partnership Manager (Wecheza) and Global Teen Advisor at Girl Up. 

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: Common Goal

Favorite Football Club: Arsenal

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: Common Goal