The young starlet, who has garnered attention for her promising career, went missing just before a crucial journey to Ethiopia for the CAF Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Thursday, August 15 issued an urgent appeal to Kenyans after reports emerged that Kenya U20 women’s national team captain Jane Hato went missing.
The young starlet, who has garnered attention for her promising career, went missing just before a crucial journey to Ethiopia for the CAF Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers.
Hato, a pivotal player for the U20 team, was expected to join her teammates for the tournament, which is critical for their progression in the competition. However, she did not arrive at the destination, and her current whereabouts remain unknown.
Her family is deeply concerned and has called for the public’s assistance in locating their missing loved one.
Missing Kenyan U20 women’s national team captain Jane Hato. /POLICE FC
In a statement, FKF urged anyone with information about Hato’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or her family.
“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been made aware of the concerning situation involving Jane Hato, the captain of Kenya U20 women’s national team and a player for Kenya Police Bullets FC.
“Anyone with information on the whereabouts of her, please contact your nearest police station, her family (0710322573) or Jectan from FKF (0727382466),” FKF stated.
According to Kenya Police Bullets FC, the player went missing on Wednesday, August 14.
“We regret to inform the public that Jane Hato a player on our team, has been reported missing since yesterday. We were initially hopeful that it was a minor delay, but the situation has now become serious,” the football club stated.
Hato is a key figure in Kenyan women’s football, currently playing as an attacking midfielder for Mathare United. Her exceptional skills and leadership qualities have been instrumental in her team’s recent successes.
Recently, she shared her aspirations to achieve a significant milestone in her career by joining FC Barcelona, reflecting her ambitious goals and dedication to the sport.
Meanwhile, Police Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Oguso called for calm amidst the ongoing search.
“It is disturbing that she has not been seen till now, but we are sure she is alive wherever she is. When we can’t find our player and we can’t tell where she is, we take it as a missing person case, as a club and as a government. However, based on our preliminary investigations, she is in the hands of a person who knows her well,” explained Oguso, who is also a police officer himself.
“I don’t think it is related to football at all. It could be a family issue. Our police officers are on this to find out she is where and with who. Once this is sorted out and the player is ready, no doubt she will be linked up with the rest of her teammates in Ethiopia,” he added.
