Police Bullets are still in a celebratory mood. Understandably, they seem not to get enough of it.

They fired their way into history once again, clinching back-to-back Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League titles after a dominant season that saw them collect 46 points from 20 matches, stamping their authority as the team to beat in women’s football.

Their head coach, Beldine Odemba, has had the last laugh after a rather blistering season where their lucky coin could have flipped either way, especially for title hopefuls Kibera Soccer Women, who were heading for the unthinkable following their promotion to the top-tier league.  

Military side Ulinzi Starlets emerged as contenders in the final lap of the league and went toe-to-toe with Bullets on the last day of the season, following their last-gasp appeal success against Zetech Sparks.

The win for the ‘Modern Coach’ silences critics who had questioned her ability to deliver Bullets to the promised land once again, after showing class last season by winning the league unbeaten in her debut.

That was not enough; she guided Bullets to the CECAFA region’s Women Champions League, losing narrowly in the final against CBE.

“It has been a hectic season; not as smooth as last season was, but we thank God that we are here. The girls pushed themselves, and I can say I am really happy that the Kenyan Women’s Premier League is gaining something. We can see the competition is getting tougher.”

“What worked for me was the energy that the girls gave, the belief that they had, and the fact that they were the defending champions.

Sometimes there is pressure when you play as defending champions, but the good thing is that they knew they were in the world for something special.”

This season, a lot happened around the team that required Odemba to make tough decisions.

The Kenya Women’s national team coach included youngsters in her squad and even went ahead to give them a huge chunk of playing time, proving her credentials as a top and visionary coach.

As football fans marvel at the impudent brilliance of Odemba’s youngsters, including 17-year-old Elizabeth Ochaka, 18-year-old Rebecca Odato and 18-year-old Vidah Okeyo, some believe it was a big risk for her to go for the kids.

And that rang a reminder bell in many people’s minds of the infamous quote by former Liverpool star Alan Hansen in 1995: “You can’t win anything with kids.”

But for coach Odemba, the future of the team was surrounded by a dark cloud if they had not invested in young players.

Securing the future of the team was not only the main agenda, but the teens also brought freshness and vigour to the squad.

Other ‘kids’ who proved to be important included Emily Moranga, 19, and Jane Hato, 19, whose availability and prowess were equally felt in their journey toward the 2025 championships.

But was it a big gamble to sign the young talents and get them involved in the league?

“I would not say that it was a risk. I am happy that I got them in. We are still in the building process since our team is only two seasons old. We want to identify our own style and way of play, and we also want to encourage young girls that they can come in, blend well, and play in the Premier League,” Odemba told People Sports.

The club also brushed off stubborn attempts from several overseas clubs to sign dependable goalkeeper Annedy Kundu.

The Harambee Starlets custodian went on to keep 13 clean sheets in 15 matches this season to prove her influence in Bullets’ success this term.

Experienced players like Rebecca Okwaro, who grabbed the Golden Boot after bursting the nets 16 times this season, Lydia Waganda, Juliet Andiba, and Diana Wacera had immense contributions worthy of a champion’s medal.

Outside the pitch, the team had a supportive management led by Chairperson Nyale Munga, CEO Chris Oguso and the board of trustees.

“There is growth in the women’s game, but what we lack is the needed visibility. When we get visibility, more media houses interested in our game, more talking about the game on social media, then we will be good to go,” Odemba added.