Star striker Esse Akida makes the long awaited return as Alumira names Starlets squad

Newly appointed Harambee Starlets coach Alex Alumira has named a provisional squad of 36 players to report to camp Wednesday for the looming Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers against Uganda with deadly striker Esse Akida making a return.

Akida has been out of the team for over two years and will relish her chances in the team.

According to Alumira, the squad will be trimmed down to 23 after which a final squad will be named.

Also in the team is Terresa Engesha from Vihiga Queens, Jentrix Shikangwa who last week joined Turkish top tier side Fatih Karagumruk S.K., Annette Kundu, among others.

Alumira reckons that the large squad will give every player an opportunity to showcase what they can deliver on the pitch hence picking the best.

“We have summoned 36 players for the assignment, from the 36 we will trim down the squad to 23, and that is our plan,” said the soft-spoken coach, noting that the squad has been picked with the help of his two assistants with the technical team having taken time to review the last two games against Sudan.

“On the criteria used for selection we looked at the players who have been playing in the league, these are players we know, I have done wide consultations with my assistants who have been here watching the matches while I was away, we have also spent time reviewing the last matches against Sudan, I know the players very well,” said the soft-spoken coach.

The Starlets travel away to Kampala to face Uganda in the first leg on Feb 17 with the return leg set for five days later, on Feb 22, in Nairobi as they bid to qualify for the championship final set for Morocco between July 2-23.

The coach is also confident that through the support of the FKF Caretaker Committee, teamwork and cooperation, the girls will qualify for the championship.

“Our plans towards the AWCON is to make sure that the team is psyched up, we are going to ensure that everything is done up to standard, we will also bank on the mercies of God as well as teamwork so that we can be able to finish this job,” Alumira who recently coached Tanzanian league side Tiger Queens before taking over at Starlets dugout, said.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS:

Annette Kundu, Pauline Kathure, Lillian Awuor, Samantha Akinyi, Carolyne Ruta

DEFENDERS:

Leah Andiema, Vivian Nasaka, Juliet Andibo, Dorcas Shikobe, Lucy Akoth, Phoebe Owiti, Enez Mango, Wincate Kaari, Ruth Ingotsi, Janet Bundi, Janet Mumo, Anita Adongo, Lavender Atieno, Nelly Sawe

MIDFIELDERS:

Sheril Angachi, Corazone Aquino, Mercy Oginga, Lydia Akoth, Nuru Adima, Cynthia Shilwatso, Lorna Nyarinda, Martha Amunyolette, Marjolene Nekesa, Diana Koske, Cindy Ngaira

ATTACKERS:

Terry Engesha, Jentrix Shikangwa, Mwanalima Adam Dogo, Violet Wanyonyi, Esse Akida, Mercy Airo, Elizabeth Wambui