*Undated
Fast-rising Harambee Starlets forward Jentrix Shikangwa could soon land a pro deal in Europe after signing a representation agreement with Bulgarian player agency, LTA, over the weekend.
However, the 19-year-old razor-sharp striker says she will only think of moving after leading Vihiga Queens' onslaught at the forthcoming Caf Women's Champions League set to kick off in Egypt this Friday. "I look forward to playing professional football sooner rather than later as LTA now is responsible for any of my transfers in Europe. I am not in a hurry to move but at the moment, I want to help Vihiga fight for the CAF Champions League title," Shikangwa said.
“My dream is to play in England. I love the country and from stories I have heard, it looks like a beautiful place and country to play football. However, a chance to play in any of the European countries will be gladly accepted,” Shikangwa added.
Shikangwa, who made her senior debut at the age of 16, has earned 14 caps so far, scoring 15 goals in the process. She boasts of three back-to-back Kenya Women's Premier League titles with Vihiga.
Netting eight goals for Vihiga at the Cecafa Region Champions League qualifiers held in Nairobi in September highlighted her stellar performance. She scored Vihiga's winning goal from the spot as they went on to beat Ethiopian representatives CBE 2-1 in the closely contested final. Her best moment came when she was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Shikangwa's exploits fired Harambee Starlets to their maiden Cecafa Women’s Challenge Cup in Tanzania in 2019.
Raised in a family of footballers, Shikangwa started playing football in 2014 while in Class Six at Shipalo Primary School having been inspired by her elder sister and former Harambee Starlets defender Jackline Ashitsa. “Every time my sister would go for her training sessions, I would follow her. I loved watching her play and when she made it to the national team, I wanted to be like her,” said Shikangwa, whose brother Derrick Anami plays for KPL side Zoo Kericho.
Meanwhile, head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu says he is afraid the team might lose their star performers should they impress in Egypt. However, Nyamunyamu said Vihiga would not deter a player from taking up an offer, expressing belief in the club's capacity to deal with departures.
Initially, several Vihiga stars, including Shikangwa, Lilian Awuor and Tereza Engesha, were rumoured to be on the radar of Tanzanian champions, Simba Queens, following their sublime performance at the Cecafa tournament.
"There's a likelihood some of our players will be on the radar of top European teams when we play in the Champions League. If anything comes up, the club will assess it in the best way possible. If there are good opportunities, it will be vital for the players' development," Nyamunyamu said. "Our players will only move to clubs bigger than Vihiga. Vihiga is the best club in Eastern Africa and will be playing in CECAFA next year."