MVP Lydia 'Ozil' Akoth on why Tanzania has better football compared to Kenya
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 09.08.25. | 19:00
She initially joined Yanga on loan in January 2025 and made an instant impact, lifting the Samia Women’s Super Cup in March
On Friday, 1 July, Harambee Starlets midfield maestro Lydia ‘Ozil’ Akoth sealed a permanent two-year transfer to Tanzania’s Yanga Princess, ending a memorable chapter with Kenya Police Bullets FC.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
For the 2023/24 FKF Women's Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP), her move is not only a personal milestone but also a lesson on what Kenya can learn from Tanzania’s thriving women’s football scene.
Akoth, whose nickname stems from her dazzling dribbling skills, reminiscent of Germany’s Mesut Özil, guided Police Bullets to their maiden league title in the 2023/24 season in what was their debut top-flight campaign.
She was impressive, scoring eight goals and registering 10 assists in 18 matches and powering the Law Enforcers to an unbeaten run, to earn the MVP award.
“I was proud of myself, and it felt amazing to see our efforts recognised after such a good season. This kind of recognition should continue because it motivates us to work harder and nurture even more talent,” the midfield maestro said.
She initially joined Yanga on loan in January 2025 and made an instant impact, lifting the Samia Women’s Super Cup in March and starring in the Kariakoo women’s derby against arch-rivals Simba Queens. That impressive performance saw her officially sign a two-year deal.
That added to the growing list of Kenyan players making their mark in Tanzania’s top tier.
“Kenya has a lot of talented female players, but the support is minimal compared to Tanzania. Tanzania is ahead because they receive support from all fronts and invest heavily in women’s football, something we are still lacking in Kenya,” Ozil told Mozzart Sport.
Tanzanian football scene already boasts a strong Kenyan presence, including Harambee Starlets vice-captain Corazone Adhiambo, goalkeeper Winfrida Ceda, defenders Ruth Ingosi and Wincate Kaari, plus the prolific striker Elizabeth Wambui.
For Akoth, her six-month loan spell at Yanga was a defining period.
“My goal was to secure a permanent deal, and I thank God it happened. I am also grateful to Police Bullets for shaping my career,” she said.
Her football journey has been one of steady progression, rising from school football to stints with Wadadia, Zetech Sparks, Gaspo Women, Police Bullets, and now Yanga.
She also played a crucial role in Police’s run to the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal qualifiers final, narrowly losing 1-0 to Ethiopia’s CBE.
Internationally, Akoth earned her first senior Harambee Starlets call-up in October 2024 in the Pink Ladies Cup in Türkiye, having previously represented Kenya’s Rising Starlets in the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
“It was an incredible feeling because every player dreams of earning that chance to represent the national team and their club at the highest level,” she offered.
Asked about the secret to her growth, Ozil emphasised consistency, work rate, belief, and prayer.
“I always remember where I come from. That’s my motivation to keep pushing, because I have to make it,” she said.
