Awuor eyes Starlets breakthrough after Cyprus move

Kenyan international goalkeeper Ephy Awuor believes her move to Cypriot Women’s First Division side Lakatamia will boost both her career and the profile of Kenyan women’s football.

The former Junior Starlets goalkeeper has joined Lakatamia ahead of the 2026/27 season after the club finished fourth in last season’s league.

The Cypriot side confirmed her signing on its official social media platforms. Awuor said playing in Europe has long been one of her ambitions and will expose her to a higher level of competition while improving her chances of cementing a place in the Harambee Starlets squad.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. Playing in Europe has always been one of my goals because it will expose me to a different level of football and help me grow as a goalkeeper,” said Awuor.

She added that the transfer is also a positive reflection of the quality in Kenya’s women’s game. “Every Kenyan player who gets an opportunity abroad shows that our local league has talent. I hope this inspires more girls to keep working hard because there are opportunities beyond Kenya. When we come back for national team duty, we also bring new experience that benefits the Harambee Starlets.”

Awuor, who featured in the Junior Starlets squad that became the first Kenyan team to play at a FIFA tournament after qualifying for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, said her immediate objective is to earn the number one jersey at her new club.

“My focus is to work hard, adapt quickly, compete for the number one jersey and help the team achieve its objectives this season. Personally, I also want to keep improving so that I can cement my place in the senior national team.”

Her move continues the growing trend of Kenyan women’s footballers securing opportunities abroad. Harambee Starlets forward Violet Nanjala Wanyonyi has also completed a transfer to Maltese Women’s Premier League side Hibernians FC Women from Saudi Arabian club United Eagles FC.

The Paola-based club described the Kenyan as a pacey, versatile forward with a proven goalscoring record. Meanwhile, preparations for the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania are underway, with six Madira Soccer Assassins players—Kimberley Akinyi, Nancy Kemunto, Lindey Weey Atieno, Brenda Awuor, Velma Awuor and Valarie Nekesa—earning call-ups to the Kenya Under-20 squad.