Kisumu All-Starlets coach Juma Said believes star striker Monica Etot deserves a place in the final Harambee Starlets squad to face Albania in an international friendly match on April 11.
Etot has been in fine form this season for the lakeside team that plies trade in the Kenya Women's Premier League-scoring 12 goals in 13 matches to become runner-up top scorer behind Wendy Atieno who boasts of 13 goals.
Etot who is tipped to overtake Atieno in the race for the golden boot award will battle it out with Desma Nyawade, Jentrix Shikangwa, Mwanalima Adam, Esse Akida, Tereza Engesha, Purity Alukwe, Marjoleen Nekesa for a place in the traveling contingent.
Said thinks national coach Godfrey Oduor should pick players based on current form and not past achievement. He argues that Etot is a typical centre forward compared to the rest of the attackers in the provisional squad.
"She has everything needed in a striker. She is a fox in the box. She is having a good season because of the proper preseason we had. It is a pleasure to coach her. She can be the Starlets' secret weapon if selected
"If you look at the attacking options the national coach has then there's no doubt that Etot could be the best central striking option. We aren't sure about the form of foreign-based players that have been called. Most of the forwards selected are out and out attackers as compared to Etot."
Meanwhile, Kisumu will miss the services of long-serving defender Cynthia Adhiambo who is expected to join Kenya Wildlife Service training camp starting April 6.
"She has been with the team since it's inception more than eight years ago. She has been servant leader and a mainstay in the team. We wish her all the best in the next phase of life."
Said also revealed that injured defender Catherine Odongo will be monitored by the physios as she steps up rehabilitation after being out for a while.
"Adongo is back in training but cannot play at the moment."
