Esse Akida hoping to replicate UEFA Women's Champions League at Harambee Starlets

The returning Esse Akida is looking forward to bringing the UEFA Women's Champions League experience and impact closer to home after linking up with the women's national team, the Harambee Starlets.

Starlets have been in camp since last week as they prepare for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers first round match against Cameroon

Akida returned to the Harambee Starlets squad after a five-year absence, with her return coming just days after featuring in the UEFA Women's Champions League for PAOK as they got eliminated following a 3-0 loss to Austria's St Polten.

Apart from Akida, Cynthia Shilwatso was also in action in the same competition for FC Kryvbas as they got eliminated by Swedish outfit Linköping.

Commenting on the European experience, Akida said there are a lot of lessons picked and to try and replicate at home when on national team duties.

"It was not easy but we learned and experienced new things and now we are ready to replicate and bring the same closer home when we come for national team duties," she told reporters at Kasarani Annex on Monday morning after training.

Her sentiment echoed the words of Mwanahalima 'Dogo' Adam who opines that the big number of Starlets's players plying their trade outside the country is good for the national team's growth.

"We can now pride ourselves that as a country we also have players playing at the top level in Europe and that is a big plus for the team, and also for the upcoming players. It is a big motivation for them," Dogo had offered in a separate interview on Monday.

Cameroon must fall - Harambee Starlets forward Dogo affirms

Commenting on her return after the lengthy absence, the forward reveled at the chance to represent her country once again, noting that she is enjoying her stay in camp despite there being a lot of young and new faces she did not play with at the national team level before.

"This shows that my services are still needed and at a personal level, I am happy to offer the same to my country. It is a great venture to be back and I am enjoying being with the girls. Most of them are young but we have interacted and we will continue doing the same to give the best for the nation. We are here to win as a team and everyone is looking forward to that. and we hope for the best. I can't wait to face them and let us see what the result will be at the end of the 90 minutes," she added.

Starlets are set to depart for Cameroon on Tuesday, play Cameroon on Friday, and then travel back for the return leg set to be played on Tuesday next week.