Ouma looking forward to Akida, Nekesa arrival

It is not clear yet when Harambee Starlets foreign based duo Esse Akida and Marjolene Nekesa will report to camp ahead of the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) set for November, in Ghana.

A total of 16 players conducted their first training on Monday at the Nairobi’s Utalii grounds where the two stars were conspicuously missing.

Head coach David Ouma says they are still engaging Akida’s employers Ramat HaSharon FC to release her in time, to be ready for the friendlies lined up for the team.

“We did our first training on Monday which was very successful, the ladies are fully into the business ahead. We did medical cheks to players before testing their fitness and I have no concerns.

“We are expecting Akida and Nekesa to join us soon, though we cannot specify when as we are currently engaging their respective clubs and working on their travel logistics,” offered Ouma.

Goalkeeper Pauline Atieno, who is yet to report to camp,  is expected on Wednesday after completing her examinations.

Kenya who will be featuring in the fourth coming continental event for the second time after 2016 participation in Yaounde Cameroon are pooled in group B together with the champions Nigeria, Zambia and South Africa while Pool A consits of Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Algeria.

Semi finals will entail top two teams in each pool with three top teams in the tournament will earn a chance to play in the 2019 FIFA women’s  World Cup to be hosted in France.