Ulinzi Starlets’ prolific striker Neddy returns to Starlets squad for CAF qualifiers
Ulinzi Starlets’ prolific striker Neddy Atieno Okoth is more than happy to have been recalled back to the women national football team, Harambee Starlets, as the team intensifies preparations ahead of their scheduled two-legged 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.
Neddy, one of the best forwards in the country, has been in a scintillating form, emerging top scorer in the just concluded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Cup, where her contribution helped Ulinzi Starlets win the cup, besides guiding the military side to the semifinal playoffs in their debut season in the women’s top tier league, FKF Women’s Premier League.
Speaking on her return to the national team, Neddy was ecstatic, saying that she desires to make a big impact in helping Starlets qualify.
“It is a great feeling to be back with the team. Being in camp for the last four days (Tuesday), I can say that the team is motivated and are risk takers which I believe is a key ingredient towards attaining a positive result against South Sudan,” said Neddy Okoth.
“With the knowledge and tactics gained during the training sessions, I hope to transcend it to the field that will, in the long run, help us attain a positive result,” she added.
Besides Neddy, other players that have been recalled include Ulinzi Starlets goalie Maureen Shimuli as well as Vihiga Queens’ defender and captain Enez Mudeizi Mango who are also back to the national team after being overlooked and been absent for long while Vihiga Queens’ goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, and Ulinzi Starlets’ striker Lucy Mukhwana received their maiden call ups.
Lilian was last featured for the junior team, Rising Starlets, but she was yet to play for the first team, Harambee Starlets.
According to FKF, all players called up have reported to camp save for Kenya international Dorcas Shikobe, and Mwanahalima Adam who are out on club assignments.
Elizabeth Wambui of Gaspo Women FC is the other player yet to report to camp. Starlets kicked off their training camp on Saturday at Kasarani.
