Nairobi,Kenya: Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has put in place plans to improve women’s football in the country. Over the years, women have been a neglected lot, owing to the sorry state of football affairs.

For instance, the under-20 national team captained by former Tartar sensation Neddy Atieno was on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2012, but was eliminated in the third round.

It was the same script with their senior sisters, who took part in the African Women championship qualifiers early this year, but were eliminated by Rwanda in the first round, despite their unmatched experience in the championships.

Next year, the senior team will participate in the 2015 CAF Africa championship qualifiers set for April 24-26. It is no secret women’s football in the country has not been taken seriously compared to their male counterparts. The federation’s efforts to put up an organised league have not borne fruit, due to lack of sponsorship, but not anymore.

FKF women’s football chairperson Angeline Mwikali said plans are in top gear to ensure the best team is selected ahead of the qualifiers.

“We are sending coaches to the remaining fixtures of the league to come out with the best players. We also expect to assemble the team by January,” said the official.

The process of selecting players started last weekend as the national league headed to Mombasa. Kenya, who got a bye to the Africa Zone Rio Olympic qualifiers, will face Botswana in the second round of the preliminaries away in Gaborone with the winner set to meet Zambia, who got a bye to the second round. The first leg will be played over the weekend of May 22-24, while the return leg will be played a week later.

Other nations in the first round of the qualifiers are Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Libya, Mauritania, Botswana, Rwanda,Somalia,Zimbabwe and Swaziland.

Spedag Terry Ouko (left) and Spedag Benta Akinyi during a match at Thika Stadium. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
 


 

Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Will Fourmaux finally break M-Sport Ford jinx in Naivasha?
By Ben Ahenda 4 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tundo revs off first as Ruto flags off Safari
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Speed, fun and drink as Safari Rally action takes over 'Vasha'