Once Upon a Time, There was a Child

Esse Akida is best known as Kenya’s first woman footballer to score in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON). But behind the successful and gritty football persona, is a remarkable story of hard work, resilience and a never-say-die attitude. In this brutally honest and inspirational memoir, Esse shares what it was like to grow up in an environment dictated by cultural beliefs, being the only girl in a family of boys and having to pursue football against the wishes of her parents. She shares stories of sabotage. From simply not honouring a national team call-up due to Football Kenya Federation’s lack of plan and wanting to return home after being racially abused in Europe. But Esse never gave up, even when it meant playing out of position as witnessed in her stint in Israel. She went on to become a top scorer in Greece, was named the best foreign footballer in that country and was recognized in her County, Kilifi, as the Heroine of the Year. This engaging and insightful book welcomes the reader to the world of Esse Akida which hasn’t been shared with the public before.