As the Kenya Women’s Premier League (WPL) takes a break for the festivities until January 9 after two rounds of action, play-off hopefuls Mathare Women will use the break to chart a new game plan having lost their first two matches. 

 Mathare began the season on an unpleasant note,  losing 4-0 to rivals Kayole Starlets.

Their Sunday clash against Kibera Girls added to their misery as they went down 2-0, after a 19th minute penalty from Fatuma Nyambura and a 49th minute goal from Ann Achieng goal,  to head to the break without a point to their name.  

 However,  team manager Veronica Achieng believes not all is lost and they will work on turning the tides in their favour when action returns.  

 “Our fitness has been a problem and the other teams were better than us.  However, our second match was a great improvement from our opening one and we are hoping to build on that.

We have several new players who are making their debut in the top tier and they are bound to take time to adapt,” said Achieng. 

 Although she says they are still intent on qualifying for the playoffs, top on their agenda is to avoid relegation. 

The side will be without five of their players, who will be going back to school,  when action resumes in January. 

While this will be a blow, Achieng believes they can weather the storm until the second leg where they will be able to make new signings. 

 In other weekend matches, holders Vihiga Queens had a second minute Topistar Situma goal to thank for their 1-0 laboured win away to debutants SEP Oyugis.  

 Kisumu All Starlets continued their unbeaten run, downing Oserian 3-1 at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium.

A goal from Christine Manoa in the  33rd minute and a Rose Monje brace, the first  in the 45th and a penalty in the 55th minutes, gave Kisumu the win. 

Oserian’s consolation goal came in the 64th minute from Brenda Masibo.