She also sheds light on the sex scandal that shook the national women’s team just weeks before their Africa Cup of Nations debut.
Esse Mbeyu Akida, a trailblazer in Kenyan women’s football, has made history once again by becoming the first Kenyan female footballer to launch a memoir. Known for her remarkable achievements in European football, Akida unveiled her book, CHAINED, during a colourful ceremony at the Kenya National Library in Nairobi’s Upperhill.
Spanning over two decades, Akida’s career is a testament to her groundbreaking legacy. She was the first Kenyan to play in Israel’s top league, the first African woman to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the first Kenyan woman to score in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and now, the first to publish an official memoir.
She had a great lengthy spell playing for Spedag Ladies between 2014 to 2017 before moving to Thika United in 2018. Later that year -2018, she joined Israel based side Ironi Ramat HaSharon, where she played through the 2018-2019 season. She then spent the 2019/2020 season with Beşiktaş before taking a break during the Covid period.
In 2021, she signed with Greece based side PAOK on a two-year contract, which she extended for an additional year and is now a free agent hoping for another opportunity to extend her passion.
“I am now looking to a brighter future hoping for new opportunities to come my way. I am taking a day at a time.” She told michezoafrika.com.
HOW IT STARTED
Born in Mnarani, Kilifi, Akida credited MOVING THE GOALPOSTS, a Kilifi-based non-profit organization that empowers girls through football, for helping her and thousands of other girls pursue their dreams beyond the classroom.
“I was first captivated by the football pitch at the age of eight, inspired by my brothers who let me watch their games. This early passion led me to become one of the first girls to start playing football in 2002, against all odds and against the societal expectations.” She said in a brief chat with michezoafrika.com
"In my community, girls were not permitted to play football or spend extended hours outside the house. My dreams were reignited when I discovered Moving The Goalposts (MTG). I became devoted to football training, never missing a session. My talent was soon recognized, and when my mother came to watch me play, she was so impressed that she has been my biggest supporter ever since."
Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters at the launch including her loving mum, Akida expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the support of her loved ones despite the hardships she faced, including extreme poverty in her home county of Kilifi. "This journey wouldn't be as bright as it seems today without my amazing family. I thank you," she shared.
Sports journalist Zachary Oguda, who supported Akida in publishing CHAINED praised Akida’s determination to achieve greatness even when the future looked bleak, "Esse's story is one of pure grit. From facing racial abuse to topping the score charts in Greece, her journey will ignite your spirit!" he said.
Oguda has previously published another successful book titled AWAY FROM VICTORY – A book that dives deep into the troubles of Kenyan football.
CHAINED
In her book CHAINED, Akida opens up about the struggles of sabotage, including the frustration of being overlooked by Football Kenya Federation for national team call-ups and enduring racial abuse in Europe. She also sheds light on the sex scandal that shook the national women’s team just weeks before their Africa Cup of Nations debut.
Also present to celebrate Akida’s milestone were players from the women’s national soccer team, led by Simba Queens’ towering midfielder, Corazon Aquino. Aquino expressed her admiration, saying, "I am truly honored to have known and played alongside her. She is an inspiration not only to us but to many other girls who dream of playing in the big leagues."
Neddy Atieno added, "We call her 'Mama' because she has always led the way and provided great leadership every time we're in camp. We love her and celebrate her always."
Akida's legacy is characterized by her trailblazing achievements and her role in inspiring future generations of female footballers in Kenya and beyond through her Foundation The Esse Akida Foundation.
CHAINED is an inspiring tale of resilience, defiance, and triumph over adversity. To get a copy of the book, CLICK HERE visit [Nuria Kenya]