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How women football is quickly finding a footing in Kenya

Harambee Starlets has led the way and created a buzz and vibe around it whenever they play

Women’s football globally seems to be more developed despite getting lesser resources as compared to their male counterparts.

In Africa,teams like Nigeria,Zambia,Morocco and South Africa are leading the way in making football great again with many stars now plying their trade in the big leagues of Europe. This is testimony that beyond the sport and fanfare,the authorities despite numerous odds are doing their part to market women football to a wider audience.

Kenya’s own story with regards to women football has been sensational.The national women’s team Harambee Starlets has led the way and created a buzz and vibe around it whenever they play. The national under 17 squad are the only football team in the country to have ever made it to the World Cup which is huge.All these yet,the top league has no title sponsor.

Many players are now earning a living courtesy of the route they build via the national team like Essie Akida, Mwanalima Adam,Enez Mango,Jentrix Shikangwa,Corazon Aquino,Terry Engesha,Cynthia Shilatswo and many more. Incidentally, some of these players just emerged from the shadows through school programs,estate tournaments and an almost nondescript league with barely enough funding.Analysts states the current scenario is fueled by passion,talent,drive and commitment beyond the pocket.

According to Sports Marketer Cynthia Mumbo who is the Founder of Sports Connect Africa,the concept of affirmative action is now taking route in sports conversations and women and girls are deliberately taking up their roles albeit in a skewed parameter. “There is till a lot to be done but look at what our girls have achieved with so little.It means there is something there. Sports is for all and it is global and I am happy to see the development especially in team events.We now have deliberate efforts to see to it that growth is here. However still the government and other players must continuously invest in women and sports. I marveled at how the Junior Starlets (Under 17) qualified for the World Cup and did really well which was inspiring,”says the Sports Consultant based in Nairobi.

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Under the previous administration,the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) made strides with respect to elevating women football although there were real challenges. The vice-president then Doris Petra was a permanent fixture in women football events including accompanying the Under 17 girls for the inaugural World Cup in Dominican Republic late last year. At the same time,the senior women national team made a run at the 2016 (Africa Women Cup of Nations) in Cameroon but did not make the cut.

Mumbo still insists the twin issue of remuneration and representation in the football body is a matter of concern. “The whole ecosystem has to shift and this is why there should be a catalyst for this agenda of change in matters of fair representation and also remuneration.We just need to harness a bit and it will be better and this starts with mindset.It is about being creative and selling women’s sports as a product to consumers and sponsors.Media as well has a key role to play and must ensure fairness in coverage and mentions for both genders in sports.”

On her part,Sports lawyer Sarah Ochwada believes enhancing infrastructural support and monetary benefits will be the clincher in  making football in Kenya bloom for women in particular. “The Financial Management aspect for the women in the sports sector particularly athletes is just saddening plus the issue of contracts is ignored mostly. Nobody is really having this conversation which is ironic considering that it is the women mostly who bring us pride and joy when you look at football.What we have seen for a long time is tokenism.”

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She adds; “It is interesting that those that actually perform are the ones often underfunded and underpaid. It makes a mockery of justice and fairness.”

The new administration at the FKF offices in Goal Project have promised to enhance women football through focus on youth programs.Even with players being churned out in their hundreds and being talented and passionate,the million dollar question remains if there is a sustainable plan for structured continuity in the women’s game.

 

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