Ghanaian and Simba Queens forward, Philomena Abakah set sights on making history with the Tanzanian giants in the 2022 CAF Women Champions League campaign.
Speaking to Ghanaian reporter Ayishatu Zakaria Ali, the Black Princess forward revealed her excitement ahead of the continental inter-club championship to be held in Morocco later this month.
"I want to make history by winning the CAF Women’s championship and continue to make the Simba name great and a fearful one
My teammates here in Simba are amazing and talented and the fact that my name Philomena Abakah will go into the history books of Simba excites me," she added.
"Playing the champions league is something I dreamed of after seeing what Hasaacas did last year for Ghana and getting the opportunity means I have the chance to give hope to every female footballer in Ghana that everything is possible with hard work and prayers. Every time I step on the field in the champions’ league, I get to send a message of hope and possibilities to every young player."
The former Berry Ladies goal poacher believes her decision to join the Tanzanian giants is the best and looks forward to having a good time with them
"I signed a 2 year deal with Simba Queens and it’s a decision I don’t regret. I decided to join them because they are one of the biggest clubs in Africa with amazing fans you can’t say no to.
I wanted to experience a different culture outside Ghana and Tanzania is one of the countries doing well in Women’s football and if I want to play there, then it is best I join the side with history and a trophy winning spirit. Besides Africa is our own, if we reject playing here, who will build our football for us?” she asked.
Philomena, 20, further revealed what has kept her going through her footballing career since childhood. She names her father as her number one inspiration.
"Being a footballer is all I wanted to do, I never had second thoughts and it tells how much that meant to me. Yes, I knew I was going to survive it because my family has been in support since day 1, and I have been blessed with the management team I have and coaches I have worked with, they all it easier and fun for me to chase my dreams."
"My father has always been my biggest inspiration, and I can’t imagine his disappointment if I did something aside football. So, his support drove my faith and he’s the last person I talk to before playing any match which has become something like a game day ritual for me. He made me fall in love with football. We used to go watch Abusua Dwarfs and some colts games in Cape Coast together when I was young".
Philomena begun her playing career with Cape Coast based Chalton Ladies before moving to Ridge City Women Football in Accra.
She then joined Women Premier league side Berry ladies FC in 2021 before sealing a sensational two-year deal with Tanzanian giants Simba Queens in 2022.
Abekah contributed to 11 goals, scored 7, and assisted 4 in 18 games for Berry Ladies in the Ghana Women’s Premier League.
Host club ASFAR FC, last year’s bronze medalists will face Tanzania’s Simba Queens, Zambia’s Green Buffaloes and Liberia’s Determine Girls in Group A.
The 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Champions League is scheduled to take place from 30 October to 13 November 2022 in Morocco.
Key dates:
Match day 1: 30-31 October 2022
Match day 2: 2-3 November 2022
Match day 3: 5-6 November 2022
Semi-finals: 9 November 2022
Third Place match: 12 November 2022
Final: 13 November 2022
2022 PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN:
Winners: USD 400 000
Runners-up: USD 250 000
Semi-finalists (2) USD 200 000
Third of Group (2) USD 150 000
Fourth of Group (2) USD 100 000
By: Ayishatu Zakaria Ali
