Mathare North Soccer' Featuring Women's Soccer the Year 2008, Drive Inn Primary School.

Did you know Mathare North had one of the best women's football teams in Kenya? That team goes by the name Otto-Benecker F.C. The reason I consider Otto-Benecker F.C as one of the best women's teams in Kenya is that; 

1.  They have won many local Women's soccer tournaments. 
2. A good number of players have taken part in the annual Norway cup, in Norway through the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) 
3. A good number of players have played in the National team, Harambee Starlets. 
4. They have produced soccer administrators and referees. 
5. Many of the players represented their school teams to the national and regional levels. Just to highlight a few achievements! 

Currently the big contrast is that we don't have a women's team in our community and it's rare to find more than two players training in the field. What happened? I don't blame the former players neither do I blame the former managements. 

If you take a deep drive into Women's soccer Kenya you will understand why we experience the current situation. There are lots of stories that aren't highlighted especially of Women's / girls dreams, pain, suffering, lack of support, no remuneration, no funds, frustrations, lack of facilities etc. 

 " Playing soccer that doesn't guarantee the desired future or doesn't support the ladies livelihood is one of the areas that has led to a shape decline of girl's /women playing soccer in most neighborhoods." Kate Syprine ex-soccer player. 

 

Watch Kate's featured story on Citizen TV https://bit.ly/3yv984H 

 #WomenInSoccerDeserveBetter Despite all the tough challenges, I want to appreciate Otto-Benecker F.c for their rescilience during their time. I acknowledge the efforts you have made to make it through soccer and there are some players who achieved other opportunities through soccer. Those who are still playing never lose hope. 

I would urge you to pursue education, play soccer not has the main thing unless you want to pursue oversee opportunities but also think of entrepreneurship model that you can have while playing. May God bless your journey, and thanks for representing our community. 

 Below are photos from archive +throughMylens 29th August 2008 at the Drive Inn Primary School.