Juve Queens aiming for balance between education and football
Amos Abuga @AmoKc1oo1
Football Kenya Federation Nairobi Women’s Regional League side Juve Queens have an audacious ambition of changing the women’s game in the country, a kick at a time.
Four matches into the newly launched league, the club has set sights on playing in the top flight league, the Women’s Premier League.
Dennis Ayekha, the coach of the youthful side, says the team comprising players from the affluent Hurlingham area as well as those from poor backgrounds like Kawangwarea and Kibera slums, is gelling seamlessly.
“Here we don’t discriminate. Our objective when we started the team was to give girls an equal opportunity regardless of their backgrounds.
I am happy with the manner they have been able to gel and play as a team,” said Ayekha.
That majority of the players in the 30-team squad are in school is something the coach is proud of, adding that the girls are determined to strike a balance between sports and studies.
“Our average age here is like 17 years where we have the most ranked player currently pursuing university education while around five others are in vocational training colleges with the bigger number in secondary school,” said Ayekha.
On Sunday, the team that was started last October, saw their perfect start to the season halted when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Beijing Raiders in a Zone West match played at the Nairobi City Council grounds, Ngong Road. Before the match they had won all their opening three matches.
Both sides moved to 10 points two behind leaders Uwezo Women who defeated City Queens earlier on.
“We played well today against a top opponent. I am sure we can build from the result because our dream is to play in the top league,” said Juve Queens ‘midfielder Anne Waithera. In another match, Ligi Ndogo Queens defeated McMillan Ladies 2-0.
