Simba coach Makanya urges Kenya to grow womens league

Simba Queens manager Selemani Makanya has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to seek more sponsorship in order to build a stronger women’s league.

Makanya said Kenya was ‘blessed’ with talented female footballers but said the quality of its league needs a lot of improving if the country hopes to develop into a women’s football powerhouse.

The Tanzanian official was speaking upon the arrival of Bertha Omita who joined his side from Kisumu All Starlets two weeks ago.

“Currently in East Africa I can say that Harambee Starlets is the best team compared to others. I have watched them in different competitions including the CECAFA Women’s Challenge which was last staged here in Dar Es Salaam last year.

“Kenya has great potential but can only keep growing if it has a stable league because that is where new stars emerge. I have interacted with players from Kenya an learnt that sometimes they are forced to play without salaries and allowances; that is wrong,” Makanya said.

As part of their preparations to defend the Tanzanian championship, Simba Queens have signed five new players with the recruitment also meant to shore up their Africa club champions League ambitions.

“I urge CECAFA to come up with more women competitions like the CECAFA club championship which will help to sharpen talents in the region.

“The introduction of the Africa women club champions league will also help market our players abroad. We have so many talents from our region and when I see Esse Akida, Corazone Acquino and many more play abroad I see hope for our girls.”