No surprises in WPL as teams begin title hunt
Kenya Women’s Premier League holders Vihiga Queens, arch-rivals Trans Nzoia Falcons and Kisumu All Starlets got their title campaigns off to winning starts as they picked maximum points in their respective Zone B openers.
Goals from Terry Engesha and Topister Situma in either half of Vihiga’s match against Wadadia gave Alex Alumira’s charges the desired start in their fourth consecutive title hunt.
“It was a difficult match considering the opponents have improved a big deal. We are also lacking in fitness and our finishing was extremely poor.
We created many chances that could have easily given us a five-goal win. The striking force has lost the sharpness associated with the team but we cannot blame them, the long layoff has had its effects,” said Alumira.
Meanwhile, Kitale-based Trans Nzoia edged out Eldoret Falcons 2-0 despite turning up for their opener without their head coach after he returned a positive Covid-19 test. The goals coming in the second half after a largely quiet first half.
“Our players were tense in the first half of what was a tough match but after talking to them at the break, they changed the approach and earned us a hard fought win.
I have experienced strikers but we are still struggling in defence. My first choice backline players are in school and will be available after their exams in March.
Until then, I will have to work with the squad that we have and I am confident they will keep delivering,” said team manager Joel Masengeli who held forte for the head tactician in the Sunday match.
Elsewhere in Zone A, Kayole Starlets and Thika Queens were the big winners as they picked maximum points against Mathare and Ulinzi respectively.
The third match of the zone ended in a one-all draw between Makolanders and Kibera Girls, with both teams scoring through penalties in the first half.
Richard Kanyi who has made a return to the helm at Thika Queens says that he had to use a makeshift team after about 10 of his players tested positive for Covid -19.
In addition, the tactician is rebuilding after several of his experienced players left the club.
“We are taking it one game at a time as I am nurturing a new team. At the same time, we are targeting a top place finish in Zone A.
It has been difficult bringing the players back to shape after such a long time off.”