By Hillary Mukasa, FKF Instructor
When we talk about women football in Kenya Esse Akida doesn’t need an introduction. Last year the phenomenal striker proved that one can pursue two worlds, the sporting world and academics. She graduated last year with a BA degree in Business Administration from KeMU and penned a two-year contract with Israeli club Ramat Hasharon. Its every player’s dream to play for the national team and professional football. Esse Akida has done both and we cannot call this a weakness.
Whenever KeMU queens and Esse Akida played in any Meru field, they brought Meru to a standstill. The fans loved thescintillating and flawless football the queens displayed. This story is about Esse Akida and the story of KeMU Queens will be featured next time.
In the National team jersey Esse Akida was the top scorer of Harambee Starlets in the COTIF Women Cup in Spain in 2016. The same year she was the 2nd top scorer in the CECAFA Championships in Tanzania with 6 goals one behind the top scorer. The sensational striker scored a consolation goal against Ghana in the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in 2016 in Cameroun. In 2017 she won the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Presidents Award.
Whenever she played for KeMU Queens it rained goals. In 2014 her 9 goals enabled KeMU Queens clinch the East Africa University football Championship. In the first Inter County Championships in Laikipia County in Nanyuki in 2015, Esse Akida’s 9, goals propelled Meru County to be crowned National Champions in perhaps the best Intercounty tournament won by the best women team assembled.
