The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) will host its first ever Players for Players’ Gala Awards for the 2020-2021 Women Premier League (WPL) season.
This one of a kind event that kicks off at 1pm lasting till 5pm, will be held on Tuesday, 14th December at Zetech University-Main Campus, Ruiru in Kiambu County.
Throughout the season, players participated in voting for their peers in the KEFWA Monthly Awards which is intended to award the overall 11 best players of the season.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, a total of 44 players nominated by the Awards’ committee were selected by their fellow players through an online voting process and as a result, 33 finalists were identified to battle it out for the ‘KEFWA 11’.
“The winners will have the opportunity to network and connect with mentors, not only in the sports industry but also in the corporate world during the event dubbed ‘Bridge the Gap’,” the statement read.
Further, the programme will enable women footballers to curve their niche outside football and also help them identify sustainable exit strategies, for a smooth transition from active football.
KEFWA Secretary General, Jerry Santo, said that the Association is trying to bridge the gap between the sports industry, more so women football, and the corporate industry.
“When you look at the finalists, these are players who were exemplary in their positions, and with the right guidance and approach, they can excel in the corporate world,” he added.
Santo noted that the players’ Union has been conducting Economic Empowerment and Capacity Building programmes such as ‘Mind the Gap’ and ‘Raising our Game’ for their members to embrace second careers, in preparation for life after football.
“That is why the event is not just for awards, but rather a platform in which our players will have an opportunity to learn from other influential and successful women in the business and corporate sectors,” he reiterated.
He expressed hope that the mentors and role models would guide the players in their sports career and walk with them through their second career paths too.
Among the 33 finalists, Vihiga Queens booked more nomination slots than any other team in the league with six nominees in the best left back, right back, left and right centre back, central defensive midfielder, and centre forward category awards.
Gaspo Women and Thika Queens were all tied at the first runners up position with each booking five slots among the 33 finalists.
By Michael Omondi
