Kisped Queen’s head coach Daniel Minjis has issued a call to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), urging the country’s football governing body to address the growing disparity between men’s and women’s football locally.Minjis’ call comes a day after the Kenya Women’s U17 team (Junior Starlets) head coach Mildred Cheche named a 23-member squad for residential training in Spain ahead of this year’s Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October.The Junior Starlets historically became the first Kenyan team to play in a FIFA World Cup after whitewashing Burundi 5-0 on goal aggregate in June.##NAJAVA_MECA_8275912##As Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria prepare to represent Africa at the contest in the Dominican Republic, there has been a growing concern regarding the seriousness of women’s football in Kenya.According to Minjis, women’s football continues to face challenges, particularly in terms of recognition, funding, and overall support from governing bodies.Minjis emphasized that women’s football deserves the same level of attention, investment, and opportunities as men’s football.”Looking at it keenly, it is women’s football that has gone far to the extent of our Junior Starlets qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. If we don’t our women’s league seriously, we will kill the potential that these players have,” he said.Kenya Women’s U17 coach releases squad set for Spain camp ahead FIFA World Cup debutFor years, men’s football in Kenya has been at the forefront, with clubs in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) enjoying greater media coverage, sponsorship deals, and access to top-tier facilities.On the other hand, the Women’s Premier League has struggled to get the same level of recognition. According to Minjis, this imbalance is limiting the growth of the sport, depriving talented female players of a platform to showcase their skills on a larger stage.“The federation must ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities, especially in the top-flight league. You’ll find that women’s teams play their league matches in primary school venues while men stage their top-tier fixtures at national stadiums such as Kasarani. This imbalance affects women’s football.”Minjis also called for improved structures in women’s football, including better financial backing, training facilities, and access to competitive matches.EXCLUSIVE: Danish side agree to sign Kenyan defender Frank Odhiambo from Djurgardens
