Shikangwa sends message to Govt after Starlets Cecafa triumph

After helping Harambee Starlets lift their first ever Cecafa Senior Women’s Challenge title on Monday in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, sensational striker Jentrix Shikangwa has urged the Government to give the queens a befitting financial support.

Shikangwa who stole the show, after she came off the bench to score a second half brace to take her tournament’s tally to ten goals, helping Starlets dethrone holders Tanzania, says the team has proved why government should support them unreservedly.

The Vihiga Queens forward was speaking upon the team’s arrival on Tuesday morning where the contingent was treated to a colorful reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

“We have put the country on the map but nothing tangible we have received from the government. I urge them to fully support us because we need to grow in this game so that we can continue flying high the Kenya’s flag at the international scene,” said the 2019 Cecafa top-scorer.

Harambee Starlets faced numerous financial hiccups in their preparations for the tourney and also during Olympic qualifying match against Zambia before the government reacted late to save them.

Shikangwa’s sentiments were echoed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa who reiterated his concerns on government’s seriousness in regard to supporting the team.

Upon arrival, the team was offered a befitting reception and was driven through the city streets aboard a bus whose sideways bore a huge banner with the words: “CECAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS 2019” where they later had a luncheon at Utalii Hotel.

2022 AWCON bid

Speaking during the luncheon, FKF boss Mwendwa praised the gallant Starlets for their heroics while revealing the intentions to have Kenya bid for the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) hosting rights in 2022.

“This is a very historical moment for our ladies and Kenya at large. Since we assumed the office, Kenyan women football has been in upward trajectory and this tells you that we are heading to a good direction. I will ensure that Kenya bids for AWCON hosting rights so that our team can have a sense of pride playing at home during the continental showpiece.

“I will hold discussions with the ministry to see how they can assist us in ensuring we can have three standard stadiums because to host the tourney we need to have a minimum of three stadiums because only 12 teams will feature,” he underscored.

The players will now break to unite with their respective Kenyan Women Premier League (KWPL) clubs before hitting the camp early next year for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of nations (AWCON) qualifiers primed for March.