WAFCON: Esse Akida charges Harambee Starlets to write their own history in Morocco
By Luke Oluoch, July 26, 2026As the Harambee Starlets angle to kick off their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Morocco, inspirational forward and author Esse Akida has delivered a powerful message of encouragement to the team.
Akida, a celebrated footballer during her heydays and a pioneer who etched her name in the history books by scoring Kenya’s first-ever WAFCON goal in 2016 and author of Chained, took to her social media pages to rally the squad ahead of their long-awaited continental return.
She reminded the team of the enormous task that lies ahead of them while carrying the dreams of millions of Kenyans in the continental championship. Harambee Starlets are making only their second return to the championship since their debut in 2016 under coach David Ouma.
Message
“To the Harambee Starlets, you are carrying more than a badge and a flag into Morocco. You are carrying the dreams of every Kenyan girl who has ever dared to believe she belongs on the biggest stage.WAFCON is never easy, but opportunities like this don’t come often. Embrace the challenge, trust yourselves, and remember that millions of Kenyans are proud of you before a ball has even been kicked,” she charged.
Borrowing from her decorated years, where she plied her trade with Besiktas and PAOK in the women’s top-tier league in Greece as well as other European nations, Akida, who has been extensively involved in girl empowerment in her cradle in Kilifi and beyond, urged the team to take their chance with courage and boldness.
“Play with courage. Play with belief. Play for each other. As someone who has worn that jersey and experienced the sacrifices that come with representing our country, I know what this moment means. Make it count. Write your own history and inspire the next generation to dream even bigger. The nation stands with you. Go out there and show Africa the heart of Kenyan football. Make us proud.”
Akida’s words serve as a timely rallying cry for the Starlets as they step onto the continental stage today, aiming to build on the legacy of the 2016 squad and make a lasting statement in Morocco.
Starlets’ opener will kick off at 11:00 pm at the Moulay Stadium.