Starlets coach Ouma happy to see Kenyans go pro in Europe

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma says he feels motivated by the growing number of Kenyan players that are joining European clubs for professional football.

Ouma says four of his top players have secured deals with different clubs in Europe, a trend he says will serve to enhance the quality in the national team and encourage upcoming talents.

A week ago, Starlets first choice keeper Annedy Kundu signed a three-year contract with Lakatamia Football Club after starring during the Cecafa Women’s Championship in Tanzania last year and will join defender Ruth Ingosti at the cub based in the Cypriot capital Nicosia.

Star striker Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam is also on the verge of joining Swedish top flight side Djurgardens IF DFF, whose male side Michael Olunga played for in 2016.

The deal is in the final stages and could make Adam the fourth Starlets player to play professionally in Europe along with Vivan Corazone (Atletico Ouriense, Portugal), Kundu and Ingotsi.

“This is really motivating and it shows that other counties and relevant stakeholders recognize the commitment which is being put by the entire team.

“It’s my hope that many talents will follow the way and it will be encouraging to see many players playing outside Africa. I will continue maturing talents and give young players chance to showcase their skills,” Ouma told Citizen Digital on Friday.

Ouma however expressed his confidence of clinching the best coach award in the SOYA awards to be held on 24th in Mombasa as well as the best team (Harambee Starlets).

In the best coach category Ouma will hunt the award together with Vihiga Queens coach Alex Alumirah, Kenyan National basketball mens team (Morans) coach Carey Odhiambo, KCB RFC coach Curtis Olago as well as Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bittok.

In best team category Starlets will tussle it out with Kenya Lionesses, Vihiga Queens, KPA basketball women’s team and Malkia Strikers.

“I am happy for being nominated in the best coach category and I have done a lot last year leading the team in clinching the Cecafa women tournament and guiding them in almost qualifying in Olympic 2020 was not a joke and that’s why I believe with those achievement I stand a chance to be crowned the winner. Said Ouma.

Ouma is now preparing the team for the forthcoming 2020 African Women Cup of Nations from March which will be used as World cup qualification.

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