Women Player of the year award set for Tuesday
Women in Sports
By
Mike Kihaki
| Dec 10, 2021
Vihiga Queens and Thika Queens have dominated the list for the first-ever ‘Players for Players’ Gala Awards for the 2020-2021 Women Premier League.
The two teams have six players each among a total of 44 players, three in each position, who had been nominated by the Awards’ committee and selected by their fellow players, through an online voting process.
The list was trimmed to 33 and will battle it out in an event dubbed “Bridge The Gap” which will be hosted by the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).
Out of these, the overall 11 best players of the season will be awarded during the final selection to be held on Tuesday 14th December 2021 at the Zetech University, Ruiru.
Winners will have the opportunity to network and connect with mentors, not only in the sports industry but also in the corporate world.
The program is set to curve a niche for women footballers outside football and help them identify sustainable exit strategies, from other influential and successful women in the business and corporate sectors for a smooth transition from active football.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between the sports industry, -moreso women football- and the corporate industry. When you look at the finalists, these are players who were exemplary in their positions, and with the right guidance and approach, they can excel in the corporate world,” said KEFWA General Secretary Jerry Santo.
The players’ Union has been conducting Economic empowerment and Capacity building programs such as “Mind The Gap” and “Raising Our Game,” for their members to embrace second careers, in preparation for life after football.
“That is why the event is not just for awards, but rather a platform in which our players will have an opportunity to learn from other influential and successful
women in the business and corporate sectors. We are hoping that the mentors and role models can guide their career path and walk with them through their second career paths,” added Santo who is former Tusker FC midfielder.
Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) is a players union whose mandate is to advocate for players rights and welfare for both men and women in Kenya.
Those who made it to the final list are:
Goal Keepers
Judith Osimbo- Gaspo Women
Monica Karambu- Thika Queens
Monica Chebet – Wadadia Women
Left Backs
Enez Mango –Vihiga Queens
Wincate Kinyua- Thika Queens
Lavender Akeyo- Zetech Sparks
Right Backs
Vivian Nasaka- Vihiga Queens
Miriam Chelegat- Wadadia Women
Joan Naututu- Ulinzi Starlets
Left Centre Back
Phoebe Aketch- Vihiga Queens
Juliet Andipo- Kayole Starlets
Lucy Akoth –Mathare Women
Right Centre Back
Dorcas Skobe- Thika Queens
Miriam Asangira –Gaspo Women
Phelister Kadari- Vihiga Queens
Central Defensive Midfielder
Mercyline Wayodi –Kisumu All Stars
Sheril Angachi- Gaspo Women
Joan Nabirye- Vihiga Queens
Right Attacking Midfielder
Rebecca Okwaro- Nakuru Queens
Cindy Ngaira- Wadadia Women
Rael Kamanda –Makolanders FC
Left Attacking Midfielder
Martha Karani- Trans Nzoia Falcons
Lydia Waganda –Thika Queens
Lydia Akoth- Zetech Sparks
Left Forward
Neddy Okoth –Ulinzi Starlets
Rachael Muema- Thika Queens
Mercy Airo – Gaspo Women
Right Forward
Jereko Mwanahalima - Thika Queens
Ruth Chebungei –Wadadia Women
Elizabeth Mutukiza- Gaspo Women
Centre Forward
Rasoa Sylvia –Ulinzi Starlets
Tereza Engesha- Vihiga Queens
Christiine Ngoizi- Kayole Starlets?