Women Player of the year award set for Tuesday

Vihiga Queens' Jentrix Shikobe (left) and Esther Masira of Kayole Starlets during FKF Women Premier League at Ruaraka grounds. Sept 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

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?