Africa-Press – Kenya. Tereza Engesha, Neddy Atieno, and Mwanahalima Adam highlight the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) inaugural Gala Awards set for December 14 at Zetech University-Main Campus, Ruiru.
Engesha played a key role in catapulting Vihiga Queens to the Cecafa Club champions title while Atieno guided Ulinzi Starlets to both the FKF Women’s Cup and Super Cup. Adam was the top scorer for Thika Queens who won the WPL title in Nakuru.
The event has attracted 33 finalists with three contestants in every position but only the 11 best players of the 2020-2021 Premier League season will be feted during awards dubbed ‘Bridge The Gap’.
Vihiga and Thika top the awards list with six players each while Gaspo and Ulinzi have four and three respectively.
The 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 will enable women footballers to curve their niche outside football and help them identify sustainable exit strategies, for a smooth transition.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between the sports industry, especially women football, and the corporate industry. These are players who were exemplary in their positions, and can still excel in the corporate world with proper guidance,” said KEFWA 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.
FULL LIST
Goalkeepers:
Judith Osimbo (Gaspo), Monica Karambu (Thika), Monica Chebet (Wadadia); Right backs: Vivian Nasaka (Vihiga), Miriam Chelegat (Wadadia), Joan Naututu (Ulinzi); Left centre back: Phoebe Aketch (Vihiga), Juliet Andipo (Kayole) and Lucy Akoth (Mathare); Right Centre back: Dorcas Sikobe (Thika), Miriam Asangira (Gaspo), Phelistas Kadari (Vihiga); Left backs: Enez Mango (Vihiga), Wincate Kinyua (Thika), Lavender Akeyo (Zetech); Central Defensive Midfielder: Mercyline Wayodi (Kisumu), Sheril Angachi (Gaspo), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga); Right attacking midfielder: Rebecca Okwaro (Nakuru), Cindy Ngaira (Wadadia), Rael Kamanda (Makolanders); Left attacking midfielder: Martha Karani (Trans-Nzoia Falcons), Lydia Waganda (Thika), Lydia Akoth (Zetech); Left Forward: Neddy Okoth (Ulinzi), Racheal Muema (Thika) Mercy Airo (Gaspo); Right Forwards: Jereko Mwanahalima Dogo (Thika), Ruth Chebungei (Wadadia), Elizabeth Mutukiza (Gaspo); Centre Forwards: Rasoa Sylia (Ulinzi) Tereza Engesha (Vihiga) and Christine Ngoizi (Kayole).
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