Kenyan international forward Esse Akida has reaffirmed her desire to continue representing the national team, Harambee Starlets, even as she works towards securing a new club after parting ways with Greek giants PAOK at the end of last season.Akida, who played a vital role during Kenya’s qualifiers for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON), was notably absent when Starlets began their campaign for the 2024 edition late last month.Her absence stemmed from her lack of club football this year, but the experienced forward insists her doors remain wide open for the national team.“Of course, I am very much open to playing for the national team if called upon. I am still an active player—I just haven’t finalized my next club move. But I’m very much available, and I haven’t even thought about retirement,” Akida told Telecomasia.net.##NAJAVA_MECA_8753187##Akida had been on the verge of signing for a new club earlier this year, but delays linked to visa processing put the brakes on the transfer. Despite the setback, she remains confident that the right opportunity will come her way soon.“I’ve had several offers, but I’m taking my time to pick the right one for my future,” she added. “If I just wanted to jump at any option, I’d already be playing. But I have goals, dreams, and ambitions, and I want my next club to align with that. It’s just a matter of time before I make my next move.”For more than a decade, Akida has been one of the most recognizable faces in Kenyan women’s football. Her journey with Harambee Starlets is a story of perseverance, passion, and groundbreaking achievements.Her first call-up to the national team came in 2012, when she was still at Spedag FC, a club that played a crucial role in nurturing her talent. Even then, Akida stood out with her explosive pace, sharp eye for goal, and natural flair.Her big break on the international stage came at the 2016 CECAFA Women’s Championship in Uganda. She introduced herself in style, scoring her first international goal in a dominant 4-0 win over Uganda.First Benni McCarthy call up?It was not just her goal-scoring that caught the eye—her tireless work rate, clever movement, and ability to stretch defenses quickly made her a key player in the team.That same year, she was part of the historic squad that led Kenya to its first-ever appearance at the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).Kenya landed in a tough group alongside Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria, but Akida still found a way to leave her mark, scoring against Ghana in a 3-1 defeat.Though Kenya exited at the group stage, Akida’s goal was a symbolic moment, signaling the rise of Harambee Starlets as a growing force in African women’s football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755151##Her performances at AWCON were just the beginning. Later in 2016, Akida was the star of the COTIF Women’s Football Tournament in Spain, where she emerged as top scorer with five goals.Her clinical finishing and composure in front of goal earned her praise from scouts and coaches, raising her stock far beyond Kenya’s borders.Akida remained central to the team’s plans, playing a key role in the 2018 AWCON qualifiers, where her goal against Equatorial Guinea gave Kenya hope in their bid for back-to-back continental appearances.Ndayiragije rues missed chances as Police drop more pointsEven though Starlets fell short, Akida’s impact in clutch moments reaffirmed her importance to the team.Her consistency for both club and country eventually earned her moves abroad—first to Israel’s FC Ramat HaSharon and later to Turkish giants Besiktas.Her time in Europe elevated her game, adding layers of tactical discipline and experience to her already potent attacking arsenal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755725##Though her club career occasionally took her away from national team duty, Akida’s commitment to Harambee Starlets never wavered. Whenever she was available, she returned seamlessly, bringing her leadership and international exposure to the squad.Today, Esse stands as one of Kenya’s most decorated and influential female footballers. Her story—from the dusty pitches at the Coast to the bright lights of European football—is a beacon of hope for young girls dreaming of making it in the sport.
