It is all systems go for the first-ever Players for players’ Gala Awards for the 2020-2021 Women Premier League (WPL) set to be held on Tuesday afternoon next week at the Zetech University, Ruiru.The event dubbed “Bridge The Gap” is the first of its kind event will be hosted by the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) and will be out to reward 11 players for their performance in their specific positions in the concluded season.A total of 44 players were nominated by the Awards’ committee in the initial list but were selected by their fellow players, through an online voting process. As a result, 33 finalists will battle it out for the ‘KEFWA 11’.Winners will have the opportunity to network and connect with mentors, not only in the sports industry but also in the corporate world.Exicited to be among the finalists of the first ever @kefwaofficial women’s award’s gala.Am grateful to the Almighty, my teammates and coaches @Vihigaqueens as well the media and fans for the immense support. pic.twitter.com/mNqCaz5isr— NABIRYE JOAN🇺🇬🇰🇪 (@NABIRYEJOAN4) December 8, 2021 The program will enable women footballers to curve their niche outside football and will also help them identify sustainable exit strategies for a smooth transition from active football.KEFWA General Secretary Jerry Santo says that the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap in the sports industry, with an inclination on women football.“We are trying to bridge the gap between the sports industry, -moreso women football- and the corporate industry. When you look at the finalists, these are players who were exemplary in their positions, and with the right guidance and approach, they can excel in the corporate world,” Santo said.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,” the former Tusker FC midfielder added.Are you ready for the first ever Gala Awards for our women football in Kenya?What are your expectations? We are following the comments section👇for your ideas. #KefwaGalaAwards pic.twitter.com/z47hPqr0Bn— Kefwa Gala Awards (@kefwaofficial) December 7, 2021 FINALISTSGoal KeepersJudith Osimbo (Gaspo Women)Monica Karambu (Thika Queens)Monica Chebet (Wadadia Women)Left BacksEnez Mango (Vihiga Queens)Wincate Kinyua (Thika Queens)Lavender Akeyo (Zetech Sparks)Right BacksVivian Nasaka. (Vihiga Queens)Miriam Chelegat. (Wadadia Women)Joan Naututu (Ulinzi Starlets)Left Centre BackPhoebe Aketch (Vihiga Queens)Juliet Andipo (Kayole Starlets)LucyAkoth (Mathare Women)Right Centre BackDorcas Sikobe (Thika Queens)Miriam Asangira (Gaspo Women Fc)Phelistas Kadari (Vihiga Queens)Central Defensive MidfielderMercyline Wayodi (Kisumu All Starlets)Sheril Angachi (Gaspo Women)Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens)Right Attacking MidfielderRebecca Okwaro (Nakuru Queens)Cindy Ngaira (Wadadia Women)Rael Kamanda (Makolanders Fc)Left Attacking MidfielderMartha Karani (Trans-Nzoia Falcons)Lydia Waganda (Thika Queens)Lydia Akoth (Zetech Sparks)Left ForwardNeddy Okoth (Ulinzi Starlets)Racheal Muema (Thika Queens)Mercy Airo (Gaspo Women)Right ForwardsJereko Mwanahalima Dogo (Thika Queens)Ruth Chebungei (Wadadia Women)Elizabeth Mutukiza (Gaspo Women)Centre ForwardsRasoa Sylia (Ulinzi Starlets)Tereza Engesha (Vihiga Queens)Christine Ngoizi (Kayole Starlets
