)
The experienced striker has given her formula for success if Harambee Starlets are to return to WAFCON in 2026.
Harambee Starlets striker Esse Akida believes Kenya can make a return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the necessary support.
Starlets are still basking in the glory of their win over Tunisia on Wednesday, when they secured a 1-0 victory away, to win the two legged tie following a goalless draw in Nairobi last week.
That saw them make it to the final round of the qualifiers where they will take on The Gambia and if they prevail, a place at WAFCON will be sealed for the second time since their debut in 2016.
"Looking at the way we played away from home and got a result inspires a lot of confidence," Akida, who was part of the Class of 2016 that played at WAFCON told Telecomasia.net.
)
12:40 - 28.02.2025
Ranking the top 5 'Harambee Stars' Greatest Players of All Time
Five of the greatest Harambee Stars players of all time.
"I am very proud of what the girls achieved. Of course I believe we can go back to WAFCON. We have a chance and we have a good team and I hope the Federation can give the team maximum support towards the second qualification round so that we can finish the job."
The striker has not been receiving national team call-ups in recent years, however, due unclear reasons, but remains optimistic for a change in fortunes in future.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
"Of course I am very much open to playing for the national team if called upon. I am still an active player and it is just that I am yet to pick my next team but I am very much available," added Akida, who has been without a club since leaving Greek side PAOK.
"I haven’t even thought about retirement. I am still working on getting a new team and I have been doing my best to keep fit as I wait for the best opportunity."
)
17:32 - 25.02.2025
Athing Mu Net Worth: Age, Profile, Career, Achievements, Husband, How Rich She Is in 2025?
Discover the inspiring journey of Athing Mu, from record-breaking victories to financial success and her path to future dominance
Akida feels Kenya's women's football has come of age going by the recent performances of Starlets and the U17 team that made it to the World Cup last year.
She, however, thinks necessary support is lacking which can elevate it even further but hopes Football Kenya Federation can give women's football nearly the same treatment the men's game gets.
"It was a hugely proud moment for all of us when the young girls made it to the World Cup. It shows that women’s football needs just a little support, a little investment to grow," Akida further said.
"We invested a bit in the U17 girls team and we showed the world what we can do. If this is done more, then the potential is immense.
)
21:40 - 27.02.2025
Justin Gatlin agrees with Usain Bolt on why 2024 Olympic 100m final was not as great as the 2012
Justin Gatlin has agreed with Usain Bolt on why the 2024 Olympic final which saw Noah Lyles narrowly edge out Kishane Thompson was not as great as the 2012 edition.
"If the federation can give even 50 percent of the support they give to the men’s team to women, I believe we can go far. Our leagues are not sponsored or supported as the men’s and we need just a bit of investment and we will show the world that indeed we have a talented pool of women footballers in Kenya."
Akida is taking her time before deciding her next move, having received a number of offers that she is currently weighing.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)