For three years, Esse Akida was among high profile players regarded as “rebels” who were excluded from the Harambee Starlets for reportedly demanding for better welfare from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).Akida and goalkeeper Samantha Akinyi returned to the fold under the FKF Caretaker Committee ahead of the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda in January, but the match never took off as FIFA slapped Kenya with an indefinite suspension from all football activities over third party interference.Considered one of the most prolific Starlets strikers with 15 goals and 9 assists in 33 games, the 26-year-old says she is not a rebel and has always been available for national duty.”I don’t know where the term rebel comes from, but as far as I’m concerned, I believe the national team coach calls up players he feels can fit his philosophy and aims. It’s unfortunate if I don’t get a call up, but I’m always ready to represent my country when needed,” the former Thika Queens forward told Mozzart Sport.”There’s no greater honor than representing your own country of birth. I was always looking forward to being called back, but it didn’t happen over the period,” she added. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6685073##The setbacks not withstanding, has enjoyed his illustrious career and professional stay in Europe where she’s currently turning out for FC PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece. The Kilifi-born ascribes longevity in the game and Europe, which comes with many challenges to “experience.” “I arrived in Europe when I knew what I wanted. I would urge upcoming players to have goals and be true to themselves for them to be successful in the game.”In 23 appearances for PAOK in both the league and UEFA Champions League, Akida boasts an impressive tally of 21 goals. Akida’s professional life started in Israel with F.C. Ramat HaSharon in 2018 before she crossed over to Turkey where she signed for Beşiktaş Women’s Football in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless, saw the Beşiktaş move fall through.More minutes in the tank as the season draws closer.It’s Monday and whatever you’ve planned this week, give it your best shot.#Akida_14#PAOK #Womenfootball pic.twitter.com/qk5HfhD6Qo— Esse Akida (@akida_14) September 26, 2022 At Ramat, Akida, who thrives better as a striker, saw herself deployed mostly as a fullback due to many injuries in the squad at the time, but still she managed four goals and five assists in 19 games. It was her ability to adapt, a key component in a pro’s life, that made her thrive. Ray Omondi: Former AFC Leopards forward breaking the glass ceiling in coaching”As a player, my work is to listen to what the coach tells me. I think it’s also the discipline in me that allows me to play is such a demanding environment.”Being that the prevailing FIFA suspension of Kenya from all football activities found her already in Greece, Akida has not been adversely affected by the situation, but she’s hoping that everything normalises soon.”I’ve stayed for long without playing for the national team, so to be honest, the FIFA suspension has not affected me much. I don’t want to get into the politics of football, but those responsible know what to be done to get things back to normal and I hope they act soon.”As a fall back plan incase “football fails you” Akida, who is a graduate from Kenya Methodist University, is advising youth girls to embrace education.”The youth should take education very seriously, this is not even be a choice, they have to, because we don’t know our fate.”
