Harambee Starlets striker Essie Akida feted in Greece football awards

Harambee Starlets and PAOK Women striker Essie Akida.[Courtesy]

Harambee Starlets striker Essie Akida was on Tuesday awarded for her tremendous contributions to her club FC PAOK Thessaloniki at the 41st Greek Panhellenic Association of Paid Footballers and Women Footballers (PSAPP) awards.

Akida was feted with the Golden Boot trophy for her goal-scoring prowess last season where she emerged as the top scorer after grabbing 18 goals in the 2021-2022 Greece Women's Premier League which PAOK won for a record 17th time.

The former Thika Queens and Besiktas striker took to tweeter to express her excitement while thanking those who helped her in her journey including her family back home.

"First allow me to thank the people of Greece and the entire PSAPP who made this happen. Recognizing good performance from women footballers isn't something that everyone does in a game that is predominantly dominated by men," said the former Thika Queens star.

"To my family back in Kenya, I dedicate this award to you. Without your input in my life, I do not think I'd be here today making this speech. I want to thank you so much for everything you've done for me and pray that we win more things together in the coming years."

"To aspiring women footballers back at home, yester night proved that no one can dim your light when you are dedicated to what you do. Keep grinding, keep working on your craft, and keep believing because one day you will win too."

The two-time FKF Women's Premier League champion to Europe in July last year where he signed with FC PAOK Thessaloniki.

Akida has been playing for the Harambee Starlets since 2012 and was part of the 2016 Africa Womens' Cup of Nations, where she found the back of the net against Ghana in a tournament that was held in Cameroon.

Although Kenya lost 3-1 to the West African rivals, she scored the first-ever goal for Kenya in the competition.