Harambee Starlets striker joins Israeli club

What you need to know:

  • Akida was part of the Kenyan team that made history by qualifying for the 2016 women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
  • She put pen-to-paper on a two years contract Thursday afternoon after attending trials in Israel for the last 10 days.

Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida has signed a lucrative two-year deal with Israel club Hapoel Morasha Ramat HaSharon.

Akida, who was part of the Kenyan team that made history by qualifying for the 2016 women’s Africa Cup of Nations, put pen-to-paper on a two years contract Thursday afternoon after attending trials in Israel for the last 10 days.

The former Thika Queens striker says that joining Hapoel Morasha Ramat HaSharon is a dream come true, and she has promised to work hard to advance her career.

“I am very delighted. Joining this club is a dream come true for me and I can't wait to get started. I know it won’t be easy and I am ready for the challenge, but I believe that I will make a good name for myself if I work hard,” the 24-year-old said.

Akida joined Thika Queens during the June transfer window from Spedag FC where she's spent the better part of her career. Both teams participate in the Kenya Women’s Premier League.

She becomes the fourth high profile footballer to go professional after Mary Kinuthia, Terry Engesha and Chris Nafula recently crossed over to Sweden to begin their professional stints.

She has 36 caps for the national team, scoring 15 times. She will be wearing jersey number 14 at her new workstation.