From Kenya to PAOK in Greece: Esse Akida’s Journey to Becoming an International Football Star

Esse Akida is a Kenyan professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for the PAOK in Greece and the Kenya women’s national football team. She has also played for several other clubs, including Thika Queens and Spedag FC in Kenya, and FC Ramat HaSharon in Israel. Akida is considered one of the top female footballers in Kenya and has represented her country in various international tournaments.

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Q: What is the experience like to play for the Harambee Starlets and represent Kenya?

Esse: Representing one’s country is always a pleasant experience.

Q: As a footballer, what is it like to live and play outside of Kenya?

Esse: Although life outside Kenya can be challenging, I have become accustomed to it.

Q: As a Kenyan footballer, what was the process like for you to settle in at PAOK in Greece?

Esse: Adjusting to my first club was difficult at first, but over time I found myself adapting as the challenges were similar.

Esse Akida has returned to the Harambee Starlets team and has been named in Head Coach Godfrey Oduor’s preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendly against Albania in Tirana on April 11th. The squad is composed of a mixture of locally-based players in good form and seasoned foreign-based players.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers Valentine Khwaka (Gaspo Women), Diana Tembesi (Vihiga Queens), Annedy Kundu (Rea Women FC), Lilian Awuor (ASJ Soyaux Charente)

Defenders Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks), Lupemba Bilonda (Thika Queens), Stellah Mulongo (Nakuru Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sethu), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Phoebe Owiti (Hakkarigucuspor), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess).

Midfielders Merceline Wayodi (Vihiga Queens), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Monalizer Anyango (Zetech Sparks), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercylne Anyango (Batumi women- Georgia), Lorna Nyarinda (Thika Queens), Maximila Robi (Kibera Soccer), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens), Elizabeth Wambui (Gaspo Women), Violet Nanjala (Association Municipal de Layaauone Football Feminine), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Cynthia Shilwatso (Kryvbas Women),

Forwards Monica Etot (Kisumu Allstarlets), Desma Nyawade (Kisped Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steek R.A), Purity Alukwe (Zetech Sparks), Marjoleen Nekesa(SK Slavia Praha).