Kiambu derby highlights WPL second round
Former champions Thika Queens and last season’s second place finishers Gaspo Youth will face off in a Women Premier League (WPL) match dubbed ‘Kiambu derby’ that has all the ingredients of a thriller on Saturday morning at Utalii grounds.
Thika are looking to continue their good run and pick their second win of the season after beating hosts Ulinzi Starlets 2-1 in their season opener last weekend at the same venue.
On their part, Gaspo are playing their first match of the season and are equally fighting for a positive start.
Their season opener was scheduled for last Sunday against Zetech Sparks but was postponed due to some technicalities.
“We have prepared well and the players are ready for the season. We began training as a unit when the ministry gave the go ahead for the return of football and the players are in a good place in terms of fitness despite the challenges brought about by Covid-19.
From the pre-season testing, only one of our players was affected. She is a key player but her absence will not be a major blow as we have depth in the squad,” said coach Edward Githua.
From their last season’s meetings, Gaspo picked maximum points in their home match played at Ruiru grounds while the clash away at Thika ended in a two all draw as Thika came from two goals down to level.
Playing at Utalii means none of the sides enjoy home advantage as Thika could not host the match owing to renovations ongoing at the Thika Stadium.
In other Zone A matches, Ulinzi will, on Sunday, be looking to pick their first points when they host Kayole Starlets at Utalii grounds.
The military side narrowly lost 2-1 to Thika in their league opener. On their part, Kayole are top of the table after hammering Mathare Women 4-0 in the first round matches played last weekend.
Mathare will be looking to redeem themselves from last weekend’s lashing when they host Kibera Girls who picked a point from a one all draw with Makolanders.
In Zone B, Wadadia and Trans Nzoia Falcons face off in Vihiga, today, as the former hope to pick their first points having lost their opener 2-0 to champions Vihiga Queens.
Falcons are three points up and top of the table after beating Eldoret Falcons 2-0 last weekend. Eldoret will travel to Nakuru where they take on debutants Nakuru West Queens.