The government has invested little or nothing in girls’ football, football girls players in Mombasa County revealed on Saturday.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Kizingo Girls football Captain Mariam Salim lashed out at the government saying it has totally ‘neglected’ girls’ football throughout the country.

Ms. Mariam says despite the government having adequate resources to finance football, nothing has been implemented so far to address the challenge.

She adds “The government has only invested in the boy child. As we speak there are no women professional football players,”

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Mariam asked parents to allow young girls to venture into football saying it is the only way to voice their concerns.

“Football for me relieves stress and makes me happy. The government should ensure that it focuses on empowering young girls,” she said.

Girls football-only way to nurture girls talents

At the same time, Lubna Nassir urged the government to prioritize and invest in girls’ football saying it is the only way to nurture their talents.

Lubna further lashed out at the government noting that it has ‘forgotten’ about the talents that exist in the community.

She wants the government to prioritize girls’ football.

“We are engaging young girls aged between 15- 21 during this long holiday so that they can explore their talents. We also want them to keep their minds.”

On the other hand, One Nation under God ONUG Executive Director Mary Oyier said the government has not invested fully in football as a sport.

She wants the government to lay out proper structures and prioritize football as a sport.

“The current government has not invested in sports. The officials in charge do not take sports as a serious profession.

Take girls football as a challenge

Meanwhile, Noor Aden, sitting at the technical bench for the Kizingo Girls team asked the girls to remain focused as they pursue football as a career.

He adds “it is through football they (girls) will be able to rescue other girls caught up in socio-economic challenges,”

“Consider girls football as a challenge. Don’t give up. Fight for your future dream,” said Aden.

The tournament played at Serani Ground on Saturday brought together Kizingo Girls (ONUG Pwani) and Beauty Sharks from Mama Beauty Foundation.

The best players from both teams received trophies and medals from Mama Beauty Foundation, a community lobby group based in Mombasa.