Fasila Adhiambo has attributed her impressive performances for Simba Queens to the support and blessings she continues to receive from her parents as she enjoys a dream debut campaign in the Tanzania Women Premier League.
The Harambee Starlets forward has been one of the standout performers for the Tanzanian giants since joining the club from Ulinzi Starlets in June last year.
Her move across the border, however, was not straightforward at first, with her family initially hesitant about her decision to leave the military-backed Kenyan side.
ALSO READ: Harambee Starlets name final squad for FIFA Women’s Series showdown in Nairobi
According to the youngster, her father preferred that she remain at Ulinzi Starlets and pursue a career within the disciplined forces while continuing with football. However, after several discussions and family consultations, an agreement was finally reached, paving the way for her switch to Simba Queens.
The move has since turned into a major success story, with the winger playing a key role in Simba Queens’ dominant run this season.
The Dar es Salaam-based side are currently unbeaten at the top of the league table, having registered 17 wins and one draw from 18 matches.
With only four fixtures remaining before the curtain falls on the season, Simba Queens are edging closer to reclaiming the league crown they lost to JKT Queens last campaign.
A league triumph would also see Simba Queens secure the opportunity to represent Tanzania in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA zonal qualifiers.
Speaking about her journey and the sacrifices behind her move, Fasila admitted that her parents’ support has played a huge role in keeping her motivated throughout the season.
“My parents wanted me to be employed as a soldier, but we spoke with my dad. He did not want me to leave that opportunity, but after consultations and agreements, that is how I joined Simba Queens,” she said.
“So my family blessed me, and that is why I perform well here. The blessings from my parents have been of much help. When I talk to them and they wish me well, it gives me morale going into the game knowing they are backing me to succeed.”
The Kenyan international once again showed her quality during Simba Queens’ hard-fought 2-1 victory against title rivals JKT Queens on Saturday.
Fasila produced a moment of brilliance after picking the ball from midfield before gliding past several defenders into the danger area. She then sent one defender to the ground with a clever move before unleashing a powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Reflecting on the stunning strike, the winger explained how she spotted the opening before calmly dispatching the ball into the back of the net.
“I had seen the goalkeeper had narrowed down to my side and, since she was already down, she had left some space on the wider side,” she explained.
Fasila also expressed delight at how smoothly she has settled into life at Simba Queens, especially considering it is her first season outside Kenya.
“I am happy that in my first season at Simba it has been a good campaign. We are winning almost every match, we have not lost any game, and we have only drawn one. I am happy that everything is going on well in my first season,” she added.
Despite Simba Queens sitting comfortably at the summit, the forward has urged her teammates not to lose focus during the final stretch of the title race.
“We need to continue putting in hard work because we are yet to be declared champions. Anything can happen, so we need to continue working hard in our remaining matches and get wins so that we can finish unbeaten this season,” she concluded.