• The 30-year-old who plies her charges with PAOK Thessaloniki also reiterated that lack of funds should not hinder the women's national team from participating in tournaments.
• Akida encourages young talented girls to put more work on a daily basis even when results don't show up at first. She says consistency is key and there are no shortcuts.
Image: /FILE
Greece-based Kenyan footballer Esse Akida expressed her disappointment with the reward of Sh300,000 given to 2022/2023 FKF WPL winners Vihiga Queens.
She said the treatment of the women's teams doesn't reflect the government's commitment to grow the sport.
"They deserve more! that amount is very low. The team spent much more in terms of logistics including traveling and accommodation to honour matches. That amount doesn't match a champion's reward," she presumed.
She said women's football in the country is growing fast and we need to take it seriously.
"Women's football has come a long way without a doubt. Looking at the number of women football professionals in Europe currently and the performance of Kenyan teams in continental competitions, we have moved a milestone. Nonetheless, there is still more to be done," said Akida as she engaged fans in a question-and-answer session on Twitter.
Akida said for women's football to reach European levels, more resources must be invested in the sport as is done for the men's sport.
" In this day and era, we can not be talking about lack of funds when it comes to the national team's assignments," said the 30-year-old, who plies her trade with PAOK Thessaloniki.
She said accountability is another elephant in the room as far as the development of women's football is concerned.
"The major challenge in our football has been accountability. Even if more resources are put in place for women's football, there will be nothing without accountability," the Kenyan international noted.
She urged counties to be part of the women's football growth. She asked the Ministry of Sports and counties worked with FKF to establish proper league structures.
" We must have leagues from the ward level because this will help detect raw young talents that can be nurtured into great professionals," she advised.
She added: "Football in the counties has stagnated due to minimal priority. Counties should ensure each ward has a team in the county league. Pick those talented juniors from these teams and nurture them to discover their true selves," Akida continued.
In the prospect of the coaching conditions in the country, the former FKF WPL winner with Thika Queens noted that women are delicate creatures and thus require special attention.
She urged women teams coaches to invent a handling procedure that will balance the girls' emotions and professionalism. Akida did not rule out her chances of becoming a coach after retirement though she has not enrolled for coaching badges.
"The club has a coaching program for the male team but ours is yet to come. When it is here, I will definitely enroll. After my retirement, whatever I do will revolve around helping women's football."
Akida encouraged football fanatics, cooperates, and professional footballers to collectively support the growth of women's football by adopting teams, and providing financial support and mentorship.
Akida urged those aspiring to play in Europe to look for the best agents who will find them better teams and help them grow their careers.
"Talent will take you places but good agents will link you up with the best teams," she noted.
Commenting on Kenya's bid to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Akida said it is possible if the preparations are right.
Akida encourages young talented girls to put more work on a daily basis even when results don't show up at first. She says consistency is key and there are no shortcuts.