It was all pomp and color as the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) held the first-ever Players for Players’ Gala Awards for the 2020-2021 Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL).

The event was held at Zetech University-Main Campus, Ruiru, Kenya. The private education institution is in partnership with KEFWA Union to offer scholarships for football players.

The faculty is fully registered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and also accredited by the Commission for University Education in Kenya for offering quality higher education to thousands of students from Kenya and abroad.

Themed “Bridge The Gap”, the grand event saw outstanding players from each position feted, forming the ‘KEFWA Best 11’. 

The winners had the opportunity to network and connect with mentors in the corporate world and sports industry, identifying sustainable exit strategies for a smooth transition from active football.

“We are trying to bridge the gap between the sports industry, especially women’s football and the corporate industry.”

“When you look at the finalists, these are players who were exemplary in their positions, and with the right guidance and approach, they can excel in the corporate world too,” said KEFWA President James Situma. He added that it is important for players to prepare for life after football.

 “The event is not just for awards, but rather a platform in which our players will have an opportunity to learn from other influential and successful women in the business and corporate sectors. We are hoping that the mentors and role models can guide their career path and walk with them through their second career paths,” Situma stated.

KEFWA has been conducting Economic empowerment and Capacity building programs such as ‘Mind The Gap’ and ‘Raising Our Game’, for their members to embrace second careers, in preparation for life after football. 

Speaking during the event, Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) Chairperson Madam Grace Kiraguri who was one of the guests, cited that she was willing to continue mentoring women football players.

“When I received an invite to attend the event, I knew this was another opportunity to mentor the women. I would love to offer capacity-building sessions when I can, and also be able to connect the women footballers to the available leadership opportunities,” she said.

Kiraguri also noted that she was happy to finally see women being recognized in sports. According to her, GSMP, which is under the umbrella of the U.S Department of State, focuses on empowering women through Sports and Sport for Community.

“I am very happy to see women being recognized in sports. I also want to tell them that beyond sports, they can also be entrepreneurs, go to school and study etc. They should equip themselves with the tools required to empower themselves as women,” she stated.

On her part, Patricia Mutheu, who is the elected Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Mlango Kubwa Ward and also the first female CEO at Mathare United football club, a first one in East and Central Africa, noted that all stakeholders must put together efforts to help support the growth and empowerment of women football.

“I am super excited to attend this auspicious occasion because this is an amazing opportunity for our women football players. The possibilities are just amazing because I can see a bright future for women who are in football and sports in general. We must remain vigilant in fighting for the right causes in our football,” said Mutheu.

KEFWA President James Situma noted that the right path to the growth of women’s football in Kenya had been charted, citing recent successes witnessed.

“Women’s football needs support, considering what the players have achieved. Harambee Starlets broke the jinx to qualify for the first for the 2016 AWCON. Starlets again won the CECAFA tournament in 2019, and just recently Vihiga Queens were crowned CECAFA Club Champions. We need to support the talent that the female game attracts,” he noted.

Situma also appreciated all stakeholders and partners who were part of the Gala Awards, opining that KEFWA was at the forefront of giving women football in Kenya as much support as possible.

“I thank everyone who has made this event a success. I am happy that we are at the forefront of giving the Kenyan women footballers the appreciation they deserve. Our partners have also been instrumental in making this event successful and my heartfelt gratitude to them for their support,” Situma said.

The partners include the Johanna Omollo Foundation which through collaboration with KEFWA, is helping to offer Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) to the women’s football clubs in Kenya. Others include Zetech University, Kayana, Saru, Rafiki International, Mount Kenya Hub, and Ace Creative Solutions, among others.

The KEFWA Best 11 team initially had 44 players selected by an independent committee team. Each finalist bagged KSh 50,000, a personalized trophy, and gift hampers from our partners.

WATCH THE KEFWA GALA AWARDS HERE