With the Baltic League semi-final starting tomorrow and less than a week until UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying in Denmark, Gintra of Šiauliai are completing their squad. The Lithuanian champions have signed 19-year-old Kenya international striker Elizabeth Mideva Lwangu until the end of the season, with an option for a further year.
Attacking reinforcement became necessary after Kiyani Johnson, who had been with the team since the start of the season, suffered a serious injury in a friendly. The Canadian has undergone two leg operations. Her condition is stable, but a lengthy rehabilitation awaits.
Elizabeth is regarded as one of Kenya's most promising players of her generation. She has already represented Kenya at U18, U20 and senior women's level, and played club football in the country's top women's division.
E. Mideva began playing football at seven with Lusweti FC in her hometown of Lugari. She later developed at Archbishop Njenga Girls High School on a sports scholarship. After completing school, she joined Ulinzi Starlets in the Kenyan Women's Premier League.
The player says she chose Gintra to begin a new European chapter, join a professional club with a winning history and follow positive recommendations.
'First of all, I want to thank Gintra's management, coaching staff and everyone who gave me this opportunity. I had followed the club for some time, so joining a team known for its winning culture and ability to develop players was a very easy decision. I am here to learn, improve, help the team and make the most of opportunities to compete in Europe's leading competitions. My aim is to keep growing and become a footballer my country can be proud of,' said E. M. Lwangu.
The 19-year-old is most comfortable as a centre-forward, but can also play effectively on either wing. She identifies pace, finishing, intelligent movement in the penalty area and the ability to use both feet equally well as her strengths.
'I am a team player who enjoys scoring goals and helping the team win. I always want to learn from my coaches and become a better footballer every day,' said the new yellow and black striker.
The newcomer will wear number 48. She revealed that her favourite number is eight, but it was already taken, so she chose the closest available option: 48.
Club Director Mantas Radavičius welcomed another significant addition ahead of the European fixtures.
'Elizabeth is one of Kenya's most promising young players. Despite her age, she already has international experience with the national team. She is a very quick, talented striker with great potential. We believe she will adapt quickly to our style, integrate well and strengthen our attack both in the upcoming UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers and for the rest of the season,' M. Radavičius said.
The UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying tournament in Køge, Denmark, takes place on 5–8 August. The draw placed Šiauliai's women's team with Scottish champions Hearts of Edinburgh, Danish champions HB Køge and the team progressing from Group 3 of the first qualifying round. Four teams are competing for that place, including Latvian champions Riga FC, who have already reached their first-round qualifying final.
Gintra face Hearts in the qualifying semi-final, while HB Køge meet the team progressing from the first qualifying round in the other semi-final.
