Lydia Akoth, a midfielder with Kenyan Women’s Premier League side Kenya Police Bullets was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the FKF Gala Awards on July 26, 2024.
Better known as Ozil due to her superb ball-handling tactics, Akoth scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 18 matches, outshining fellow nominees Maximilla Robie and striker Rebecca Okwaro from Kibera Soccer Women and Bullets respectively.
Her accomplishments saw her team win the league last season with 49 points, eight points behind three-time champions Vihiga Queens, who placed second with 41 points.
The team will represent Kenya in the fourth edition of the CAF Women's Champions League Cecafa qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from August 17 to September 1, 2024.
Take us through your football journey...
After completing secondary school in 2017, I enrolled at Zetech University on a football scholarship to pursue a certificate in hospitality, but I deferred after two modules.
I started playing football in Class Four, inspired by my older brother Licky Otieno who was also an accomplished player but retired early and now works in the hospitality sector in Qatar.
My parents fully supported my career although they initially thought football was a male sport that was unsuitable for women.
Before joining Bullets, I played for FKF-WPL teams Wadadia and Zetech Sparks, as well as National Women Super League (NWSL) Gaspo.
How did it feel being named the MVP after the 2023/24 season?
At the start of the season, I pushed myself on the pitch. My goal was to help my team win the title. I am grateful to the technical bench, my teammates and our fans for their unwavering support.
How was the 2023/24 season like for you?
My primary aim was to become the player of the season in the team. I not only met that goal but exceeded my own expectations by becoming the best player in the league.
There is still a lot for me to improve on, and I remain deeply motivated to continue honing my skills and growing as a footballer.
You will be part of the team that will be playing in Cecafa this month, how excited are you about this?
This will be the first time our team represents Kenya in the qualifiers for the African Women's Champions League (CAF) in the CECAFA region, so it is a big deal for all of us.
Ever dreamt of playing for national women’s team Harambee Starlets?
In that qualifying tournament, Kenya was eliminated early by Uganda, who defeated us 11-1 on aggregate.
Like any other footballer, playing for the national team ranks high in my list of ambitions. I know that if I keep performing well on the pitch, I'll soon get a call up to the national team.
Are you considering going back to school?
You play for the law enforcers. Have you ever thought about joining the police service?
How were you scouted to join Bullets?
What challenges do women footballers face in Kenya, and how have you overcome them?
If given another chance, would you choose to be a footballer?
