Starlets' Aquino unsure Simba will release her to Nairobi amid political unrest

Harambee Starlets skipper Corazone Vivian Aquino is not sure whether Tanzanian giants Simba Queens will release her for the Harambee Starlets international friendly match against Albania, set for April 11.

This is because of the current political protests in Kenya, led by the Azimio la Umoja principle Raila Odinga.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) last week announced that the senior women side will play Albania in their first international engagement in over a year after the FKF’s suspension by the World football governing body FIFA.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, the Ex Atletico Ouriense (Portugal) midfielder expressed her joy that Starlets will finally be in action again, but has questions over her availability for the pre-match residential camp in Nairobi.

“It’s a great feeling for any player having a call up to the National team. I want to congratulate the federation (FKF) for moving with speed to ensure they we have a friendly match. I saw the squad named by the head coach, all the players called are in competitive football and he has also struck a balance of young and experienced ones, which is a very good thing for mentorship purposes.

“My only worry is that I’m still not sure whether my club will release me because they fear for the political protests which are going on in Kenya. They have been following keenly. I will just wait to see their response,” she said, recalling another Tanzanian side Azam FC cancelled their friendly against Goar Mahia in Nairobi owing to the same protests.

The match was set to be played at the Nayayo National Stadium on March 26.

On Monday, new Starlets coach Godfrey “solo” Oduor named a provisional squad ahead of the friendly, a blend of in-form local-based players and experienced foreign-based players.

Desma Nyawade and Maximila Robi who play for Kisped Queens and Kibera Soccer in the FKF Women’s Division One are among those who received their first call-ups. Monalizer Anyango from Zetech Sparks, Ketsi Ngaira from Ulinzi Starlets, and Valentine Khwaka from in-form side Gaspo Women have also been called up for the first time ever.

Turkish side trio Mwanahalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), and Phoebe Owiti (Hakkarigucuspor) together with Esse Aida (PAOK, Greece) are also in the squad.

The team is expected to report to camp on Thursday, March 30 before leaving for Albania on April 8, 2023.

Oduor who was the Starlets assistant coach was appointed by the Federation to be the head coach on March 22 after the former coach Charles Okere left his role.