Harambee Starlets striker Shikangwa eyes Europe after sealing FC Masar move

Harambee Starlets striker Jentrix Shikangwa believes her move to Egyptian Women's Premier League side FC Masar will provide the perfect platform to take her career to the next level after signing a two-year contract with the club.

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The Kenyan international completed the transfer last week, bringing to an end a successful four-year spell at Simba Queens, where she established herself as one of the most feared forwards in East African women's football.

Shikangwa joins one of Africa's fastest-rising women's clubs, with FC Masar having cemented their place among the continent's elite after competing in the CAF Women's Champions League and finishing third in the 2024 edition.

The Giza-based outfit also earned a nomination for the CAF Women's Club of the Year award following an impressive campaign.

The former Wiyeta Girls star believes the switch presents the ideal opportunity to test herself in a more competitive environment while keeping alive her dream of playing in Europe.

"I'm excited to join FC Masar because I believe this is the right step for my career. Everything I achieved at Simba came through hard work, and I'm grateful for the journey that brought me here.

My focus now is to make the most of the two years ahead, continue growing as a player and help the club achieve its objectives. I also believe FC Masar can open bigger opportunities for me, including my dream of playing in Europe one day," Shikangwa said.

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The prolific striker leaves Simba Queens after four memorable seasons that yielded 62 goals across all competitions, a return that placed her among the club's most influential players during one of the most successful periods in its history.

She once again showed her importance last season after finishing as the Tanzanian Women's Premier League's second-highest scorer with 21 goals, a contribution that helped Simba Queens successfully defend their league title.

Despite embarking on a new chapter in Egypt, Shikangwa admitted leaving Simba Queens was not an easy decision and thanked the club for the role it played in her career.

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"Simba became home for me from the very first day. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and shared unforgettable moments with teammates, coaches, the management and the fans.

I leave with nothing but gratitude because the club believed in me, supported me throughout my journey and helped me become the player I am today. I wish Simba Queens continued success and I will always follow the team's progress with pride."

Her move also brings to an end an era that saw her line up alongside a strong Kenyan contingent at Simba Queens, including Corazone Aquino, Fasila Adhiambo, Elizabeth Wambui, Ruth Ingotsi and Cynthia Shilwatso.

Shikangwa's career has taken her from Wiyeta Girls to Vihiga Queens before earning professional stints in Turkey with Fatih Karagümrük, China with Beijing and later Tanzania, where she rediscovered her best form with Simba Queens.

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On the international stage, she remains one of Kenya's most accomplished forwards.

She announced herself at senior level by finishing as the top scorer at the 2019 CECAFA Women's Championship with 10 goals and has since become a regular figure for the Harambee Starlets.

The move to Egypt now offers the 25-year-old another opportunity to strengthen her credentials on the continental stage and push for a return to the national team after missing out on Kenya's squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.