This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
July 15, 2020 - Kenyan international footballer Esse Akida has challenged Kenyan Premier League (KPL) teams to establish women's football teams, saying she would gladly return to Kenya if any of the top sides had a women's team.
Akida, who currently plays for Turkish giants Besiktas, made the call after sharing a photo of the Real Madrid women's side on social media, emphasizing the importance of having women's teams in top leagues.
None of the 18 teams in the KPL have a women's side, with teams instead competing in the Kenyan Women's Premier League (KWPL) as separate entities.
Akida, who has also played for Israeli Women top-tier side FC Ramat Hasharon, believes that having women's teams is essential for the growth and development of women's football in Kenya.
She cited the example of top Tanzanian sides, which have recently started their own women's football teams, as a challenge to their Kenyan counterparts.
"Hi @OfficialGMFC @AFCLeopards @bandariofficial and everyone back at home, can we have this soon down there, please. I'll gladly come back," Akida tweeted, sharing a link to a photo of the Real Madrid women's side.
