Kenyan girls go for glory in Motherwell strips

Nov 11 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL Girls FC have donated football kit to grateful schoolchildren in Kenya, who are now claiming to be the best dressed team in their league.

St Catherine Girls High School, based in the rural area of Machakos, about 80km from Nairobi, are now wearing the same kit presented to Motherwell Girls when they triumphed in the Scottish Cup four years ago.

The Kenyan girls hope to emulate the Scots’ achievements by winning the Machakos District Secondary School League.

Kenya, a football-loving nation, take a big interest in the English Premiership, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea hugely popular.

But this season, thanks to this new link, the 68 pupils at St Catherine Girls High School have been just as interested in following the fortunes of Jim Gannon and his young side.

Motherwell Girls coach Angie Wilson explained: “Over the years, you get kit and then you grow out of it so we were delighted to help and donate what we had. These kids didn’t have anything and we were asked if we were able to assist in any way.

“We sent them plenty of kit and they chose to wear our 2005 Scottish Cup-winning kit.

“They probably had never heard of Motherwell Football Club before but they have now.”

St Catherine High School was founded in 2005 and opened its doors to girls in January last year.

The school was founded to help provide quality education, with special focus on those from less-privileged backgrounds.

The football team play in the Machakos District Secondary School League and are currently second in the table as they strive to become the best team in the Machakos District southern zone.

Stuart Gardner, who’s originally from Lanark but now works in Nairobi, presented the strips to the girls.

He said: “They have the best football kit in the country and the girls are now very motivated to win the league.”

“Kenya has been suffering from a drought but when we presented the strips it began to rain for the first time in a year.

“As with most African countries, there is a strong tie and belief in nature and religion.

“Teachers and staff at the school felt the rains had come to honour the team and strips with good luck.”

l Motherwell FC Girls under-13s, under-15s and under-17s have been celebrating after each side won their respective league titles.

The under-17s won their title without kicking a ball as Celtic’s victory over Rangers last Sunday meant Motherwell could not be caught.

If you are aged seven or older and are interested in joining Motherwell Girls FC, training takes place on a Tuesday at Wishaw Academy at 6pm.

For more details contact Angie Wilson on 01698 350638 or email angiemfc@btinternet.com.