Tanzania’s Yanga Princess hail Kenyan star Akoth, eye league title

Tanzanian women’s football giants Yanga Princess have secured the services of Kenyan midfielder Lydiah “Ozila” Akoth, a move that Coordinator Kibwana Matokeo believes will bolster the team’s quest to win this season’s Tanzania Women’s Premier League.

Akoth, the reigning FKF Women’s Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP), joined Yanga Princess on a six-month loan deal on Friday, January 17. This transfer makes her the first Kenyan to feature for the club this season.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Matokeo revealed that the club began pursuing Akoth immediately after she emerged as the top scorer in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League last season.

“We have been tracking her since last season, and I can confirm that she is a very talented player,” said Matokeo.

“I attended the 2024 Caf Women's Champions League Cecafa qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to scout for talent. After watching her play several matches, I contacted Kenya Police chairman Munga Nyale, who agreed to a loan deal. The agreement is for six months, with an option to sign her permanently if she impresses.”

Matokeo further highlighted Akoth’s swift adaptation to the team and the benefits of her exposure to players from different countries, including Ghana and Ethiopia.

“She has settled in very quickly and will gain valuable experience playing alongside players from diverse football backgrounds.

She was supposed to make her debut on Friday, but some paperwork and permits delayed her registration. Now that all her documents are ready, she will feature in our match against fifth-placed Alliance Girls on Monday, which we are confident of winning,” Matokeo said.

Akoth becomes the fourth Kenyan to play for Yanga Princess, following in the footsteps of defender Wincate Kaari (Simba Queens, Tanzania), striker Irene Madalina (Fountain Gate Princess, Tanzania), and striker Janet Bundi (National Bank of Egypt).

Yanga Princess currently sits fourth on the league table with 15 points and a match in hand, trailing leaders Simba Queens by 13 points. JKT Queens and Mashujaa Queens occupy second and third positions with 23 and 18 points, respectively, while Alliance Girls round out the top five with 11 points.

“We aim to win the league, and with our match in hand, I consider us in third place. We have eight more matches to go, and if we stay focused and work hard, I believe we can achieve our dream,” added Matokeo.