Esse Akida: A Trailblazer in Kenyan Football

Strategic Insights -

Esse Akida, a trailblazer in Kenyan football, has defied social norms and shattered gender stereotypes to become a topflight and professional footballer. Born on November 18, 1992, Akida's passion for football was ignited by her brothers when she was just eight years old. Despite initial restrictions, she persevered and eventually attracted the attention of hawk-eyed coaches who detected her potential right away. With unwavering support from her mother Esther Katche, Akida's determination led her to become the first Kenyan woman to feature in Israel's top league, the first African woman to score a hat-trick in the Uefa Women's Champions League, and the first Kenyan woman to score in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Akida is a highly regarded female striker who has astounded teammates and dazzled opponents with her incredible abilities, including her ability to unleash rasping shots with both feet and move at super lightening speed.
  • She was part of the National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) from 2012, where she finished second in the Golden Boot with 37 goals while winning the league with the same club.
  • Akida credits coach Robert Okalo with helping her become more proficient at scoring goals by teaching her how to hit the target.
  • She has enjoyed a stellar career playing for local and foreign outfits, including Spedag Ladies, Thika United, and PAOK in Greece, where she won the Golden Boot with 17 goals in 18 games.
  • Akida has represented Kenya in several international tournaments, including the AWCON, COTIF Women's football tournament, and the Uefa Women's Champions League.
  • She has also written a memoir, Chained, which captures her glistering football career spanning over two decades.

Statistics:

  • Akida scored 37 goals while winning the Unicef/Moya's women's league for Matuu FC in 2012.
  • She holds the record as KeMU's all-time top scorer with 50 goals.
  • Akida won the Golden Boot in the East Africa University Games (EAUG) in 2015 with nine goals.
  • She scored five goals to take first place in the 2016 COTIF Women's football tournament in Valencia, Spain.
  • Akida became the first Kenyan woman to bag a hat-trick in the Uefa Women's Champions League and the first Kenyan woman to score in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
  • She has played for PAOK in Greece and Thika United in Kenya, and has represented Kenya in several international tournaments.

Sources:

  • "Esse Akida: The Girl Who Defied Social Norms to Become a Football Star" by Standard Digital.
  • "Esse Akida: From Humble Beginnings to Football Stardom" by The Star.
  • "Esse Akida: A Trailblazer in Kenyan Football" by Nation.
  • "Chained: The Memoir of Esse Akida" by Esse Akida.