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RAY
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Harambee Starlets striker Esse Akida has explained why she took one year from the game as she makes a sensational return to Kenyan league.
Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida has been out of the game for the last one year, leaving fans guessing whether she had secretly hung her boots.
Since leaving Greek side PAOK at the end of her contract in June 2024, Akida has not played competitively and despite numerous assurances to her fans that she was still active, some still had doubts.
However, the 32-year-old has now returned to the game, having signed for Kibera Soccer Women FC in the FKF Women’s Premier League, to bring an end to her long sabbatical.
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Speaking after her unveiling, Akida opened up about the personal issue that forced her to take a long break from the game.
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The veteran forward has been in the international cold for over one year but she is still confident of making a sensational return to the Harambee Starlets squad.
“My dream has always been to play football until I can’t play anymore. After a tough period juggling between the health of my old man and my career, I feel I’m in a good mental space to continue again,” Akida said on her Instagram page, explaining her father’s sickness made it impossible to play.
Akida Keen to Bring Success to Kibera Soccer Queens
The striker is set to be reunited with his former coach George Robert Okallo and makes a return to the Kenyan league, having had stints abroad in Israel, Turkey and Greece between 2018 and 2024.
“I’m happy to join Kibera Soccer Women FC and to be back playing in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League. This is more special because I’m reuniting with Coach Okallo, someone who truly understands my game,” she added.
Born in Kilifi, Akida started her career at Moving The Goalposts (MTG) before going on to sign for Spedag and then Thika Queens.
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It is from Thika Queens that she moved to Europe, joining Ramat HaSharon in Israel after which she joined Besiktas JK in Turkey, from where she signed for PAOK.
At PAOK, Akida enjoyed success, leading the club to two league titles while she also won the Golden Boot in her first season in 2022-23, leaving the club last year after netting 38 goals in 64 games.