Kipchumba Murkomen, CS for Sports Youth affairs, photo courtesy
The Kenya Women’s Amputee Football Team has been lauded for their outstanding performance at the inaugural Women’s Amputee World Cup held in Barranquilla, Colombia. The team, which secured a remarkable fourth-place finish, was hosted for a celebratory luncheon by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nairobi.
Speaking at the event, Murkomen praised the team for their exemplary performance, noting that their achievement transcended expectations and demonstrated the immense potential of adaptive sports in the country. “The brilliant performance of the Kenya Women’s National Amputee Football Team in Colombia is a powerful reminder that physical challenges are no barriers to sporting excellence,” he remarked.
Kenya emerged as one of the standout teams in the tournament, topping their group with a highlight victory against England, a team that had previously defeated Kenya’s Under-17 squad in another competition. The 1-0 win was particularly celebrated as a moment of “sweet revenge,” according to team members. Following this, Kenya advanced to the quarter-finals, where they triumphed over Ukraine. However, their journey was halted in the semi-finals by the host nation, Colombia, who took advantage of the home support.
Despite missing out on a podium finish, the team’s fourth-place ranking is a significant milestone, especially considering that Kenya only launched its women’s amputee football program a year ago. Murkomen underscored this point, saying, “Their performance highlights the great potential that adaptive sports hold in our country.” He pledged continued government support for the team, including plans to enhance training and scouting efforts.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary also refuted claims that the team faced challenges during their return journey from Colombia. Reports had emerged on social media suggesting that the squad was stranded at Frankfurt Airport in Germany. However, Murkomen clarified the situation, stating that the team was well taken care of during a scheduled layover, where they were provided with portable beds to rest before their connecting flight. “The ministry ensured we had visas, tickets, and all necessary support. It was an expensive endeavor, but we made it happen,” he said.
Clara Sioi, the captain Kenya Women’s Amputee Team, echoed Murkomen’s sentiments and expressed gratitude for the support received. “We were never stranded. It was a layover, and we were given a place to rest. The ministry played their role well, and we appreciate their efforts,” she clarified.
Reflecting on the team’s journey and performance, Sioi acknowledged that while they were pleased with their progress, there was room for improvement. “We believe we underperformed from what we saw. We have identified our weaknesses, and we are determined to work on them. Next time, we are bringing the trophy home,” she stated confidently.
Looking ahead, the team has been invited to participate in a championship in England. Sioi expressed optimism about the future, noting that with more time to prepare and train together, the team could achieve even greater success. “This team is raw; we started from grassroots. But playing in the World Cup has shown us our potential. With more preparation, we will perform better in upcoming matches,” she said.
Murkomen affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the development of adaptive sports, directing the Kenya Academy of Sports to scout for talent in special schools and provide the necessary facilities and equipment for athletes with special needs.
The fourth-place finish at the Women’s Amputee World Cup marks a new chapter for the Kenyan team, showcasing their resilience and potential on the global stage. With continued support and development, the team is poised to become a formidable force in future international tournaments.