I Always Seek to Represent Africa: Idah Waringa

NTV's renowned sports journalist Idah Waringa was chosen by the Egyptian government to receive the "Excellence Award for Young African Journalists in Sports".

Waringa interviewed many prominent sports icons including; FIFA Ballond'Or winner Ronaldinho, African icon JayJay Okocha, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Man United great Rio Ferdinand, Ghana legend Kwesi Appiah, 2007 African Footballer of The Year Frederic Kanoute, amongst others.

She hosted many major events in the Kenyan sporting calendar such as "Athletics Kenya Golden Gala Awards", "Safaricom Sports Personality of The Year Awards", "Athletics Kenya Golden Gala Awards", and "Safaricom Sports Personality of The Year Awards".

"SEE" managed to get up close and personal with Waringa.

Here is the full excerpt of the interview:

Firstly.. I would like to congratulate you on winning“The Excellence Award for Young African Journalists in Sports” .. could you tell us why were you chosen for this prize?

First of all thanks for having me and for your time as well.

Concerning the prize, I have applied for it when I came to attend the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), in July 2019. I submitted a story entitled “Aca Koro”.

“Aca Koro” is a combination of two words “Academy” which means school, and “Korogocho” one of the largest slums in Nairobi, Kenya.

It is a very inspiring story of a football team from a Kenyan slum that took part in a tournament in Europe and was able to beat football giants like Barcelona, Atlético Madrid; the story teaches you to never give up hope.

A few months later, I got an email from the Egyptian ministry of sports, telling me that I have won the award.

How does it feel to win this award? and how did your friends react to this news?

I was extremely happy; it is a big thing and a huge step. I am so grateful.

My friends and relatives were very happy and proud of me as well; I went viral on "Twitter", with many Kenyans congratulating me.

 

Your dress was stunning at the honoring ceremony…  could you give us more details about your look?

Oh, Thank You.. Yes, it is a very special dress made by a talented Kenyan designer called “Evon”.

It is an afro inspired gown. I feel it is very important to represent where I am from. Even in my works and my storytelling; I am always trying to keep an African perspective.

I believe that Africa is the most beautiful continent, no matter what is going on. I always seek to represent Africa.

What is your evaluation of AFCON 2019 hosted in Egypt... and how do you see the future of African football in the upcoming years?

The event was beautiful and well-organized; it caught the whole continent and the world's attention.

I really enjoyed the tournament specifically the final match; I think it was a beautiful ending to everything.

Egypt has a sports infrastructure at the highest level, which enables it to host major sporting events.

Did you visit Giza pyramids before?

Yes, of course, I visited Giza pyramids and the sphinx last July. It is a very beautiful place; I really enjoyed. I was able to take many memorial photos as well.

Few female journalists are working in the sports field... Is this what pushed you to invade this area?

Definitely, my goal in life is to be the best; not only the best among female journalists, yet the best of all; both women and men.

I think we had an endless number of female journalists nowadays.

Along your career path, what was your most challenging interview?

My interview with well-known French former striker Thiery Henry was the most challenging one.

The interview itself was not difficult, but it was everything I had to go through to get the interview; he was a famous star at that time.

I have met many famous sports icons, but this was my biggest interview, I fought for it;  it was very successful.

Could you give us an overall assessment of football in Kenya and what is the most popular sport there?

It is really a fantastic question.. I will be totally honest; the state of football in Kenya is not the best.

In Kenya... football is a daily fight. It faces lots of problems like corruption, mistrust between the government and local football associations, and lack of sponsors.

In contrary to Egypt, the clubs are well-supported, and the Egyptian government is doing its best to back its national football team.

The most popular sport is Kenya is running.