After Gaspo’s struggle, title is Vihiga’s to lose
By Lynette Matheka, September 25, 2019
Vihiga Queens are in pole position to lift their third consecutive Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with six matches remaining.
Now heading to the 24th round this weekend, the league concludes tentatively in October and with Vihiga having played 22 matches, winning 20, including last weekend’s 4-0 win over Eldoret Falcons, they find themselves just three points behind leaders Gaspo Women.
Vihiga have lost one and drew another for 61 points from 24 matches, having played two less than Gaspo.
It seemed like a four-horse race at some point but Thika Queens and Trans Nzoia Falcons have dropped off, paving the way for Vihiga and Gaspo to fight it out for this season’s honours.
But with Gaspo dropping two crucial points last weekend after a 2-2 draw against Thika, their chances seem to be diminishing as they will now have to win all their remaining four matches and hope Vihiga lose two of their six.
Vihiga coach Alex Alumira is, however, not counting his chicks before they hatch and is more worried about meetings against relegation-threatened teams and not heavyweights Gaspo and Trans Nzoia.
“Our matches against Gaspo and Trans Nzoia are being termed as the league deciders but I am more worried about the other four opponents and will be careful while playing them.
Against the said two teams, pressure will be on both of us hence playing with caution. The other four teams have nothing to lose and will play an open match and pressure will be on us,” said Alumira.
Alumira’s charges are hoping to complete doubles against the remaining six opponents this season. Of the six, the holders have lost points only to Trans Nzoia, a 2-1 reverse last season.
“In the event I lose one of the matches, the decision will go down to goal deference and so far, we have an upper hand. Scoring has been our strength in the last three seasons. We have kept 15 clean sheets this season and I hope we keep the trend,” Alimura added.
Gaspo coach Edward Githua seems to have resigned to fate, saying they will fight for second place with Trans Nzoia which will be an improvement from last season’s fifth.
“It will be hard to win the league now. Before the Thika Queens match, we needed wins in five matches but now, Vihiga have to drop six points as we win our remaining four to lift the title,” said Githua.