Rinah Ariho’s football dream takes flight with Teen Cranes

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Off the pitch, Rinah Ariho is humble and soft-spoken, but on it, her shots are fierce and relentless, striking fear into any goalkeeper facing her.

This is how one can best describe Ariho, the talented teenage footballer from Mwanjari, Kabale district, who has quickly risen to prominence in Uganda’s women’s football scene.

Ariho’s rapid ascent began with her exceptional performances for Boni Consilii Girls Isingiro. She led the team to victory in the USSSA Ankole zone girls football title and followed up with a national win in the USSSA U16 girls trophy in September 2024, where she also claimed the top scorer’s award with 9 goals.

Her impressive form earned her a spot in the inaugural CAF GIFT tournament in Tanzania in January 2025, though Ariho, along with three other players, missed the event due to national duty with the Teen Cranes.

Ariho Rinah during the Teen Cranes warmup. (Credit: Aloysius Byamukama)

Since then, Ariho has received three national team call-ups. She was first named to the Crested Cranes squad in late 2024 to prepare for an international friendly against Algeria. Shortly after, she played for the Teen Cranes, helping the team to a stunning 18-1 victory over Namibia in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup qualifiers, where she scored 3 goals. 

Most recently, Ariho was selected for the senior Crested Cranes team, now preparing for an upcoming CAF AWCON qualifier against Ethiopia.

An inspirational beginning

Ariho’s journey to football stardom might have unfolded differently if it weren’t for the influence of her elder brother, Grant Agaba.

Growing up in Mwanjari, Ariho admired Agaba’s football skills, and the two often played together in their compound. This sparked her interest in football, and eventually, they both began participating in local competitions, with Agaba shining as the team’s star player and Ariho acting as his biggest fan.

“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 and me a fan. This attracted me to football. I have since not played any other sport but football,” Ariho recalls.

Agaba, now playing for Kigezi Home Boys FC’s junior team, has been a key figure in Ariho’s life, alongside her other two younger brothers, Billgates Ayebazibwe (8) and Bob Nkera (4), who are also involved in the sport.

Rinah Ariho (white) dribbles past Namibia opponent. (Credit: Aloysius Byamukama)

Academy football development

In 2020, while in Primary 6, Ariho caught the attention of Obumwe Football Academy after her performance in Kabale’s primary school games. Under the academy’s guidance, she found her place as a number 9 and started making strides in various competitions.

Her breakthrough came when Boni Consilii Vocational Girls Isingiro scouted her, reaching out to the academy and her family. After finishing her primary education, Ariho was offered a sports scholarship and joined the Isingiro-based school, where her football career began to truly flourish.

At just 16, Ariho is preparing to sit for her UCE exams this year, balancing her academic and sporting ambitions.

“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.

Dedication to Teen Cranes

Ariho’s first call-up to the national team was a challenging experience, as she nervously anticipated training alongside seasoned players who had long inspired her. But her performances on the field gave her the confidence to integrate with the more experienced members of the squad.

Her standout moment came with the Teen Cranes when they triumphed over Namibia, and Ariho netted 3 goals in the 18-1 victory.

“It was more exciting and encouraging, having scored my first goal in national colours and going on to score 3 goals. I dedicated the goals to both my brother (Agaba) and mum (Mercy Turanzyomwe) who have been so encouraging and supportive to me,” she reflects.

Ariho is now among the 39 players selected by coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda for the AWCON qualifier against Ethiopia and is focused on earning her place in the final squad ahead of the Teen Cranes’ second-round qualifier against Kenya.