Be careful when moving abroad, Nyamunyamu urges players
Be careful when moving abroad, Nyamunyamu urges players: The most recent is Gaspo Women goalie Pauline Kathuruh, who joined Yanga Princes last week and made her debut against Ilala Queens on Saturday.
The Tanzania giants had previously confirmed the acquisition of another Gaspo star, Corazon Aquino, two days before Situma’s arrival.
Vihiga Queens coach Boniface Nyamunyamu wants women players to be educated on the rigors of playing abroad, as interest from European clubs in Kenyan talent grows.
The instability surrounding Kenyan football, according to Nyamunyamu, who led Vihiga to their fourth Women’s Premier League victory in five years in May, adds to players seeking new challenges overseas.
“Not every transfer outside the nation is beneficial to the athlete in terms of their desires to play in large leagues abroad,” Nyamunyamu suggested. “Some athletes have expressed remorse for making poor decisions after their careers took a turn for the worst. Bertha Omita (Gaspo) and Linda Kosgei of Nakuru, for example, found it difficult to leave the country.”
“Coaches have even paid for players’ return flights home. It is not always easy to travel overseas. Choices have repercussions, and sensitisation is the only way to solve the problem.”
Since June, at least four local traders have relocated, largely to Tanzania, while some have left the continent.
The most recent is Gaspo Women goalie Pauline Kathuru, who joined Yanga Princess last week and made her debut against Ilala Queens on Saturday.
Omita also finalized her transfer to Gokulam Kelara of the Indian Women Premier League, becoming the second Kenyan to play in the league after Elizabeth Kathungwa joined Sethu FC.
Topista Situma, who scored 17 goals for Vihiga in the WPL 2021-22 season, moved for Tanzania’s Simba Queens on July 1 when her contract with the county-sponsored team expired.
The Tanzania giants had previously confirmed the acquisition of another Gaspo star, Corazon Aquino, two days before Situma’s arrival.
Violet Wanyonyi of the Trans-Nzoia Falcons is anticipated to finalize her delayed move to Moroccan top-tier club Club Municipal de Laayoune later this month, with several more players rumored to be on the way.
Nyamunyamu, on the other hand, cautioned players to weigh their decisions carefully.
“Tanzania’s Serengeti Lite Women’s Premier League is unlikely to be as competitive as Kenya’s. There is no need to go to a less competitive league, and this is where our players go wrong “He stated.
“The salary element must also be considered, as some so-called overseas teams pay pennies.”
“The government’s dispute with Fifa has caused players to opt to travel abroad since we don’t know when the conflict will end,” he stated.