NAIROBI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan striker Esse Mbeyu Akida announced here Friday that she landed a lucrative contract with Ramat Hasharon FC in Israel.
Following her peers Mary Kinuthia, Terry Engesha and Chris Nafula, who recently moved over to Sweden to pursue professional football, Akida became the fourth Kenyan female footballer to sign a foreign club.
Akida, who played for local side Thika Queens, has been a revelation in the Kenya's women national team, Harambee Starlets squad and is one of the players who featured prominently as the team made its debut appearance at the African Woman Cup of Nations finals in Ghana in 2016.
"I am very delighted to join the Israeli side. It's a dream come true for me and I can't wait to get started," said Akida.
"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."
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa wished the striker well in her new assignment and expressed the hope that more players would follow her path.
Ramat Hasharon FC, which was founded 61 years ago, finished ninth in last year's Israeli Women League and plays their home matches at the 4,300-seat capacity Grundman Stadium in Ramat.
