Newcomers drop points as Police, Ulinzi cruise in FKF Women’s Premier League

By  Toto Arege

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

• At Ulinzi Sports Complex, Ulinzi Starlets thrashed Kibera Soccer Women 6-1 to go top of the table.
• Four-time champions Vihiga Queens’ struggles continued with a 3-0 defeat to Gideon Starlets.

Newcomers Mathare United, Elim White Ladies and Shabana Starlets all dropped points in the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League (FKF-WPL) matches played at the weekend.

Mathare United Women came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Kayole Starlets in a match played at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

Midfielder Eunice Nabwoba, popularly known as ‘Bobby’, gave Kayole the lead in the 50th minute via a powerful strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Ivy Makokha in Mathare’s goal.

Mathare drew level in the 80th minute through Shalin Otieno, who headed in a cross from Mitchelle Waithera.

Kayole coach George Kimani said the results were frustrating, given their position in the league.

“I feel so disappointed. It was very important for us to win because of how the standings look like. We wanted to get closer to the teams at the top. We take the point we have got but we really need to work on utilising our chances,” said Kimani.

Mathare United’s assistant coach, Julius Matsivo, took issue with his players for being wasteful in front of goal.

“We are trying to lift the players’ morale. Many of our players are still new, and we have been out of the league for nearly four years while our opponents have been in the league or the last two or three seasons. We will keep pushing and in the next game we will rectify our mistakes,” said Matsivo.

At Sudi Stadium in Bungoma, Bungoma Queens lost 4-2 to Zetech Sparks.

Hilda Wanjiku opened the scoring for Zetech in the 10th minute, and Monica Nyakowa struck twice in the 40th and 80th minutes. Linda Okoside scored Zetech’s fourth in stoppage time. Bungoma’s goals came in the 50th and 70th minutes.

At the same time, newcomers Elim White Ladies held Trinity Starlets to a 1-1 draw at Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale.

On Saturday, defending champions Kenya Police Bullets maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-1 win over débutantes Shabana Starlets at the same venue.

Lorna Nyarinda gave Bullets a 30th-minute lead before substitute Rebecca Okwaro doubled the advantage in the 66th minute. Sylvia Ondiba pulled one back for Shabana in the 70th minute.

Shabana coach Peter Ogechi said his side is still adapting to life in the top flight.

“The good thing about our team is that the girls are trying very hard. This is our first time in the KWPL and we are learning very fast,” said Ogechi.

At Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, Ulinzi Starlets thrashed Kibera Soccer Women 6-1 to go top of the table.

Ann Arusi had given Kibera a 19th-minute lead, but Ulinzi responded emphatically through Siliya Rasoha (31), a brace from Velma Juma, Sherly Angachi (69) and Quinter Adhiambo (88). 

The win took Ulinzi to nine points, level with Police Bullets who are second on goal difference.

Bullets coach David Vijago said fatigue affected his side.

“We played on Monday, they played on Saturday, so the recovery time affected us a bit. But the most important thing is that we got the three points,” said Vijago.

Elsewhere, four-time champions Vihiga Queens’ struggles continued with a 3-0 defeat to Gideon Starlets at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay.

The league takes a break for two weeks to pave way for the Fifa international women’s break. 

FKF Women’s Premier League – Weekend Results:

Kenya Police Bullets 2 Shabana Starlets 1

Ulinzi Starlets 6 Kibera Soccer Women 1

Gideon Starlets 3 Vihiga Queens 0

Mathare United 1 Kayole Starlets 1

Bungoma Queens 2 Zetech Sparks 4

Elim White Ladies 1 Trinity Starlets 1

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