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Esse Akida is a beacon of hope for young Kenyan girls who aspire to make it to the National team and break into the global stage.
Esse Akida's journey to becoming a prominent figure in Kenyan football is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the transformative power of sport in marginalized communities.
Born in Mnarani, Kenya, Esse's passion for football ignited at the age of eight, inspired by her brothers who allowed her to watch them play despite societal norms that restricted girls from such activities.
In 2002, Esse defied these norms by becoming one of the first girls to join Moving The Goalposts (MTG), a local organization empowering girls through football in Kilifi.
Initially relegated to playing with the ball only after her brothers had finished, Esse's determination caught the attention of MTG coaches, who recognized her talent early on.
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Encouraged by her mother, who became her unwavering supporter, Esse embraced football as not just a sport, but a pathway to challenge societal expectations.
Through MTG's programs, Esse honed her skills both on the field and in life. Weekly sessions on reproductive health, decision-making, and negotiation equipped her with essential life skills, empowering her to defy the limitations imposed on girls in her community.
As Esse's confidence grew, so did the number of girls participating in football across Kilifi and Kwale Counties, swelling from 200 to over 9,000 by 2017, a testament to the transformative impact of MTG's initiatives.
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Esse's football career soared as she progressed from playing for MTG United to joining a local club and eventually earning a spot on the Kenya National Football Team, Harambee Starlets.
Her prowess on the field was evident during the 2016 COTIF Women Football Tournament in Valencia, Spain, where she emerged as the top scorer with five goals, including a standout performance against Benfica Portugal Women and Española.
Her achievements extended beyond the field, as Esse was recognized as a youth heroine in her county, a milestone symbolizing her impact on the local community and beyond.
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Her journey not only defied gender stereotypes but also inspired a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
After playing for Spedag ladies from 2014 to 2017, she joined Thika United in 2018 then Ironi Ramat HaSharon in 2018-2019 before joining Besiktas for one season 2019/2020.
In 2021 she joined PAOK initially on a two-year deal before renewing her contract for one more year. Fortunately it was on this last period on her contract that she became champions with the Thessaloniki side. She has now announced her departure from the Greek team.
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During her time in Greece she has won the golden boot after scoring a staggering 17 goals in 18 games.
Esse's story is a reminder that through determination and support, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized.
As she continues to represent Kenya internationally and inspire young athletes at home, Esse Akida stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, proving that with opportunity and belief, girls can achieve greatness both in sport and in life.
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