ESSA concludes FKF coaches training on a high

By Shadrack Andenga Odinga

shadrackandenga@gmail.com

Embakasi South Sports Association [ESSA] concluded a five day football coaches training at Mukuru Community Center primary school in Nairobi.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, ESSA chairperson Kwamboka Kibagendi was in a jovial mood.

“This is the first one we have done in Nairobi. Women footballers need not only to play but also to be empowered through such short courses. My dream as chair person of ESSA is to see our young women from the slums excelling to higher areas. We are also embarking on another journey to exploit other sports like volleyball and taekwondo,” said Kwamboka who also added that her organization will also organize training for men.

The basic football coaching course saw 20 girls from Embakasi South constituency being empowered in various skills learnt through coaching football.

The young women aged 18 to 25 mainly came from Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Ruben and Mukuru Imara.

“I am excited to have taken part in this as an instructor. Honestly I have learnt a lot while at the same time teaching. Of most importance is to note that a woman who is empowered is valuable to society at large. We need more women to have the necessary knowledge and skills required in football so that the game can grow in Kenya,” said Martha Karimi, who is now an FKF coaching instructor, but still plays active football for first tier side Makolanders.

Karimi, an experienced female footballer was also accompanied by George ‘Kangi’ Maina and together they taught the class in both theory and practical.

To award the certificates was Football Kenya federation technical director Michael Amenga who advised the young women to start grassroot football clubs from the ages of 13.

Amos Otieno who chairs the FKF Nairobi east branch was present with his deputy Miss Hilda Nduta.

The federation was also represented by secretary Dickson Doyo, treasurer Erick Luyali and Ann ‘Auntie’ Oluoch who is the women’s rep.

The whole event was sponsored by AMREF who were represented by Jane Osuru.