Mwanahalima now eyes new challenge in Turkey

Harambee Starlets' Mwanahalima Adam set eyes on the ball in the Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers match against South Sudan at the Nyayo National Stadium, Oct 20, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Starlets player Mwanahalima Adam says she is focused on the challenges ahead after joining Turkish Women league side Hakkarigucu Spor.

“I have signed a one year contract with a Turkish club with an option of extension,” said Mwanahalima who captained Starlets to a 15-1 aggregate win over South Sudan in the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier.

In the first round, Starlets hit their opponents 8-0 with Mwanahalima scoring a brace before repeating the good show in the second leg by walloping them 7-1 also with Mwanahalima once again scoring a brace as Starlets inched closer to qualifying for the continental event to be held between July 2-23 in Morocco.

The former Thika Queens and Mombasa Olympics forward said she was yet to settle down at the Turkish league.

“I went for trials and signed the contract, but I had to travel back to Kenya to play for Starlets in the Africa Cup of nations qualifiers,” said the former St Johns Kaloleni High school student.

She said her new club has better training facilities which she hopes will improve her skills.

“I am ready to start life with my new club,” she said. The Kenyan forward is a lethal striker and she is expected to provide extra power to the Turkish side, which plays in the country’s women first division.